“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2, NIV)

Let’s be honest—Leviticus isn’t usually on anyone’s Top 10 list for favorite books of the Bible. It’s often skimmed, skipped, or just flat-out avoided. After all, it’s packed with strange rituals, long lists of laws, and phrases like “unblemished male goat,” or “don’t eat anything with the blood still in it.” One might think they’ve unearthed an archaic rulebook with little resemblance to modern life.

But what if we’ve misunderstood Leviticus? What if, instead of being a burdensome book of dos and don’ts, it’s a radical guide to grace?

A Blueprint for Nearness

Leviticus was never meant to be a checklist for modern readers. It wasn’t written to us.

The original audience of Leviticus was the newly freed, emerging nation of Israel—a people who escaped centuries of harsh Egyptian slavery, now learning how to live in relationship with the God who liberated them. God’s purpose wasn’t merely rescue, but relationship. He desired to dwell among them. Leviticus served as the guidebook for how a sinful people could live in the presence of a holy, righteous God.

That’s not cold ritual—that’s grace.

About one-third of Leviticus serves as a priestly how-to manual. It is a detailed handbook of sacrifices, purity laws, and sacred festivals. These weren’t arbitrary rituals; they were rich with meaning, acting as symbolic lessons that ultimately point to the coming Messiah, Jesus. Through these practices, God revealed His heart. I am holy, but I desire to dwell with you. Here’s how we can make that happen.

About one-third of Leviticus serves as a priestly how-to manual. It is a detailed handbook of sacrifices, purity laws, and sacred festivals.

Covenant, Broken and Mended

At Mount Sinai, God entered a covenant with Israel. But before the ink (or stone) was dry, the people broke it by crafting and worshiping a golden calf. God had every right to turn away in righteous anger, yet His response was grace. Rather than abandoning His people, God lovingly made a way for them to return to His presence.

Israel became the visible expression of God’s kingdom on earth, and as their King, the Lord established His rule over every part of their lives—spiritual, moral, and social—shaping them into a holy people set apart for His purpose. Leviticus isn’t a universal rulebook. It was instructions given to a chosen people. The surrounding nations weren’t bound by these laws. But for those who chose to walk with God, living differently was part of the relationship.

Why All the Rules?

We might bristle at some the prohibitions God placed on His people, but we forget the culture these laws pushed against. The nations around Israel practiced sacred prostitution, child sacrifice, and violent initiation rites. Leviticus called God’s people to be different. These laws created visible, daily reminders: You belong to God. Don’t live like everyone else.

That principle still applies today.

As followers of Jesus, we no longer build tabernacles or sacrifice goats, but we’re still called to be holy. We still must deal with the sin in our lives and ask: What does it mean to live set apart in our world?

As followers of Jesus, we no longer build tabernacles or sacrifice goats, but we’re still called to be holy.

What About the “Hard” Verses?

Leviticus includes some of the most debated verses in Scripture—especially those concerning sexuality and God’s seemingly permissive stance on slavery. As Christians, we must wrestle with these difficult passages. But in doing so, we must never lose sight of the heart behind the law: the steadfast love of God.

When we encounter those troublesome verses, it’s wise to remember who we know God to be— loving, gracious, and full of compassion. He always sees us through the lens of mercy and thinks what’s true of us. Let’s extend that same grace to God as we seek understanding. Trust God’s character, even when we don’t yet grasp His commands.

Jesus and the Law

“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14)

Jesus didn’t toss the Old Testament out. He fulfilled it. He taught us not to ignore the Law but to interpret it through the lens of love. So how do we engage with Leviticus today? Not by cherry-picking what fits our preferences or by enforcing ancient penalties that no longer apply. Instead, we ask:

• What does this teach me about God’s holiness?
• What does this reveal about my heart?
• How can I reflect God’s justice, mercy, and humility in my context?

As the prophet Micah summed up:
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

That, in a nutshell, is Leviticus.

Grace in a Strange Place

The Book of Leviticus may not read like a modern devotional but its heartbeat is grace and love. It reminds us of the importance of dealing with the sin in our lives and living set apart.
We no longer offer animal sacrifices in repentance of sin, but we still must ask: How, then, shall we live?

While Leviticus may feel distant and oppressive at first glance, its application teaches us holiness isn’t about rigid rule-keeping. It’s about responding to the God who graciously made a way to dwell with His people.

Living in the Age of Grace

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1-2)

As followers of Jesus, we don’t meditate on the Law to burden ourselves—we do it to better understand the God who calls us His own. Though we live under grace, the wisdom found in God’s instructions still speaks. It teaches us what a holy and righteous God desires.

We seek holiness not to earn His presence, but because He has already drawn near and invites us closer still.