We have discussed before the price of sin in terms of eternal value. Quite simply, sin is death. That is not to say that the loss of life is instantaneous in us. If that were true none of us would sin more than once—if you get my drift. No, I speak in terms of the eternal factor in that we instantly begin to die—we lose the life of God’s presence with us.

But there is also a practical price for sin, as was established for the community of Israel. If they sinned before God, they could only be restored as the people of God by the offering of particular sacrifices. We read of this in Leviticus 5.15-16: When a person commits a violation and sins unintentionally in regard to any of the LORD’s holy things, he is to bring to the LORD as a penalty a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value in silver, according to the sanctuary shekel.

The offering had to be perfect—as if to replace what had been stolen because of the sin itself. Moses continues: It is a guilt offering. He must make restitution for what he has failed to do in regard to the holy things, add a fifth of the value to that and give it all to the priest, who will make atonement for him with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.

The demand by God was for a perfect offering to replace the sin effect, and an additional twenty percent penalty in order for the priest to intercede on behalf of the sinner. Only then was forgiveness possible! May I tell you that we who serve Jesus Christ have a better deal? Repentance from the heart is the price for our sin, and Jesus intercedes for us, and we are forgiven NOW! Do not let death settle into your spirit! Repent, receive forgiveness, and then make restitution!