The Meaning of the Guilt Offering
The trespass offering or guilt offering is covered in Leviticus 5:14- 6:7; 7:1-6; 12:12-18. The guilt offering in Leviticus 5:14-6:7 illustrates yet another consequence of sin's impact: the need for payment. In some instances, this offering is referred to as a reparation offering because it emphasizes the value of payment for wrongdoing. Repentance was required for forgiveness, and the sacrificed animal was seen as restitution. There's more to being forgiven than just getting it right.
While every offering in Israel's sacrificial system has its place, the guilt offering has a unique characteristic that makes it particularly relevant to the world of work. In Leviticus, the guilt offering is mentioned as the seed of the biblical doctrine of repentance. When a person misled another in regards to a deposit or pledge, committed robbery or fraud, lied about lost property that was found, or swore falsely about a matter, God required an offering (Leviticus. 6:2-3).
In other words, there was no fine imposed by a court, but restitution offered by those who committed the offense, but later felt guilty when they realized their mistake (Leviticus. 6:4-5). Remorse from the sinner is the basis of the guilt offering, not prosecution by the authorities.
It is common for such sins to have been committed in a work environment. Remorseful sinners were required to return the wrongfully taken goods plus 20 percent as part of the guilt offering (Leviticus 6:4). A sinner may only receive forgiveness from God after settling the matter on a personal level with the priest (Leviticus. 6:6-7).
A unique aspect of guilt offerings is that they emphasize several principles regarding how to heal personal relationships that have been affected by financial misconduct.
Matthew 5:23-24 also teaches us that doing everything in our power to reconcile with others is an essential part of getting right with God and living in peace. Forgiveness from God goes beyond, but does not replace, making restitution to those we have damaged. When we are forgiven by God, we are moved to reverse the harm we have caused. We will rarely be able to undo the damage our sin has caused, but Christ's love compels us to do as much as we are able.
It is not enough to apologize, nor is full restoration of what was taken enough to right the wrong. A concept similar to punitive damages was also added. In contrast, with guilt offerings, unlike court-ordered punitive damages, offenders share in the distress they caused by taking part in the harm.
Despite Jesus' atoning work on the cross, the people of God are still required to make restitution today. When you offer your gift at the altar and remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave it there before the altar and go; first reconcile with your brother or sister, and then offer your gift”. Law requires us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and making restitution expresses this love in a profound way. The rich tax collector Zacchaeus was accepted by Jesus as an example of someone who understood forgiveness as he offered more restitution than the law required (Luke 19:1-10). Zacchaeus is a good example in the New Testament, as he paid back what he had stolen back four times the amount. Sin often causes rifts between Christians, which means we must be in harmony with one another and repair that which has been broken.
It is not only fair for the offended person to attempt to right the wrong, but it is also beneficial to the offender. In the guilt offering, we acknowledge the torment that grips the conscience of those who become aware of their crimes and their detrimental effects. It then allows the guilty to resolve the matter in a more comprehensive way, bringing closure and peace to the situation. God's mercy can be seen in this offering. In order to avoid the pain and hurt festering into violence or more serious offenses, the pain must be neutralized. It also extinguishes the need for the victim (or the victim’s family) to take matters into their own hands to exact restitution.
It is a powerful reminder that God's right to forgiveness does not void the pain we caused to our brother. The primary purpose of the trespass or guilt offering is to make reparations. Violations against God, even if they are unintentional and against fellow man, are grave offenses. The trespass must be atoned for, and man must be made whole. Providing reparations for wrongdoing was also a sign of grace in the trespass offering, which demonstrated atonement and reconciliation. That, however, wasn't the end of the story. Sinners could be restored to fellowship with God and with each other only through the death of Christ and the sacrifice he made.