Approaching the Courts of Heaven for Guilt and Trespass Offerings
Approaching the Courts of Heaven for Guilt and Trespass Offerings: Replay 08-08-2023
In ancient Israel, God instituted guilt and trespass offerings as part of the sacrificial system to deal with sins against both God and neighbor. While we are no longer under obligation to make animal sacrifices, the principles behind these offerings give us insight into how to approach God's throne of grace today for forgiveness, inner healing, and freedom. By examining our hearts and lives in the Courts of Heaven, we can receive breakthroughs and restoration.
What are the Courts of Heaven?
The Courts of Heaven is a concept some believers use to describe entering God's presence in prayer to present our case before Him and receive justice and grace. Though not strictly a biblical term, it draws from verses that picture God presiding over heavenly councils and courts (Job 1:6-12, Daniel 7:9-10). Just as an earthly court aims to uphold justice, in the heavenly court, the Righteous Judge Jesus weighs our situation and declares freedom, acquittal, and blessing over us as we align our lives with His truth.
The Guilt Offering
Leviticus 4-5 outlines the guilt offering required for unintentional sins against God. This included negligence in spiritual duties, touching something unclean, or realizing after the fact that one's actions violated God's commands. The guilt offering made atonement and restored fellowship with the Lord when his people fell short of his standards, whether knowingly or in ignorance.
"If someone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden...when he realizes his guilt...he must bring as his offering a ram without defect out of the flock, or its equivalent, for a guilt offering to the priest" (Leviticus 5:17-18).
Even leaders and priests needed atonement through guilt offerings when they sinned unintentionally (Leviticus 4:1-3). This demonstrates that no one meets God's perfect standards apart from humility and sacrifice for sin.
In the New Covenant, Jesus' shed blood provided the once-for-all sacrifice to atone for sins we have committed, even those we did unknowingly. We can boldly approach God's throne of grace to receive His mercy and find grace to help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). As we confess and turn from our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9). No other offering for sin is needed.
The Trespass Offering
Leviticus 6:1-7 introduces the trespass offering, required for sins committed knowingly against God or other people, including acts of deceit, robbery, exploitation, or abuse. Whereas the guilt offering atoned for unintentional sin, the trespass offering addressed willful rebellion and injustice. Restitution was often necessary to make things right when someone was wronged.
"If anyone sins and is unfaithful to the Lord by deceiving a neighbor...or by robbing a neighbor...they must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the owner on the day they present their guilt offering" (Leviticus 6:2-5).
In the New Testament, Zacchaeus demonstrated the spirit behind making restitution after coming to faith in Christ. He voluntarily repaid those he had exploited fourfold (Luke 19:8). Though we can't undo every past wrong, God calls us to humble repentance, seeking forgiveness, and making amends when possible. This breaks the enemy's legal claims so we can walk in freedom.
Approaching the Courts of Heaven Today
Though we no longer sacrifice animals, we can still come before God's throne to get right with Him and one another. As Judge, Jesus declarations blot out our transgressions (Isaiah 43:25). As Redeemer, He washes us clean from sin and guilt (1 John 1:7). In God's courtroom, mercy and grace triumph over judgment (James 2:13). Here are some steps for approaching God's throne regarding personal sins:
1) Honestly confess your sin before God (1 John 1:9). Own where you have missed the mark, without excuse or blame.
2) Express godly sorrow and repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Resolve to turn from everything displeasing to God.
3) Receive His forgiveness and cleansing by faith, thanking Him for His grace and redemption through Christ's blood.
4) Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any people your actions negatively impacted. Seek God's wisdom on how to apologize and make restitution when possible.
5) Renounce any ungodly ties or influences connected with your sins. Ask God to break demonic attachments.
6) Invite Jesus to heal your heart and soul from any wounds relating to your sins or sins committed against you.
7) Walk in your authority and freedom in Christ (Colossians 1:13, James 4:7). Thank Him for pardon and restoration!
David's Prayer as a Model
David's prayer of repentance in Psalm 51 provides a model for approaching God's throne to deal with the guilt of our sin. David cries out to God for His mercy and grace after his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband. He freely confesses his sin and acknowledges his guilt before God (51:3-4). David doesn't try to justify his actions but humbly takes responsibility.
He asks God to blot out his transgressions, wash him, and cleanse him from his sin (51:1-2, 7). David pleads for inner healing and renewal, a right spirit, and restoration of the joy of salvation (51:10, 12). God desires our repentance even from serious sins so He can forgive, restore, and set our hearts free.
Freedom Through Forgiveness
A key aspect of approaching the Courts of Heaven involves forgiving those who have sinned against us, just as we desire God's mercy for our wrongs. Jesus warned if we don't forgive others, we won't be forgiven ourselves (Matthew 6:15). Unforgiveness acts as a legal foothold for the enemy to torment us (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).
Peter asked Jesus how often we should forgive someone who sins against us - as many as seven times? Jesus answered we must forgive not just seven times, but seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22). God's forgiveness towards us is limitless, so we are called to extend mercy to others, even when it's difficult.
As we release others through forgiveness, our hearts find liberty. We tear down inner walls erected through bitterness and resentment. Coming before the Courts of Heaven involves letting go of grievances towards those who have wronged us, trusting God to heal our wounds and restore joy to our souls.
Pastor Tomlinson demonstrates principles in action by engaging volunteers:
During our weekly mentoring service, I had the blessing of ministering to two hurting people seeking justice and freedom in Christ.
Minette's Liberating Journey
For many years, Minette suffered severe demonic torment and attacks that made her life unbearable. She tried everything to get free but the darkness only grew stronger. During our mentoring session, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to invite Minette to present her case before the Righteous Judge, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 33:22).
As Minette petitioned the Lord's throne of grace, He compassionately brought to light generational roots of witchcraft that had given the devil a legal right to harass her (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus revealed how the sins of her ancestors had opened a doorway of bondage that trapped Minette as an innocent victim (Exodus 20:5).
Minette chose to forgive those who had practiced occult arts, releasing their sins to the Redeemer (Mark 11:25). Praising God for His mercy that endures forever, she professed freedom in Christ (Psalm 136:1). The Lord Jesus pronounced Minette forgiven and washed completely clean by His blood (1 John 1:7).
I rejoiced as I saw the shackles of darkness break off Minette's life. The Great Physician living within her set her spirit free (Hebrews 13:8). The Holy Spirit confirmed Minette's deliverance, whispering words of affirming love into her heart (Romans 8:16). Meeting Jesus as the Righteous Judge resulted in joyful liberation!
Patrick's Transforming Encounter
Patrick suffered from suicidal thoughts and deep despair for many years. Despite trying medical treatments and therapy, he experienced no relief from the demonic torment. During our live mentoring service, Patrick wanted to go into the Courts of Heaven to find breakthroughs.
As Patrick humbled himself before the Righteous Judge, Jesus revealed generational brokenness as the root that had allowed demonic oppression access. Patrick's father had abandoned the family, inflicting wounds of rejection and abandonment. The Redeemer gently led Patrick to forgive and release his dad from judgment (Matthew 6:15).
Submitting his case to the merciful Judge, Patrick renounced the lies and accusations holding him captive. He thanked Jesus for new life and identity in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6). As if the chains of despair fell away, Patrick felt waves of hope and joy wash over his soul. The darkness tormenting his mind retreated in the presence of Jesus, the light of the world (John 8:12). By encountering Christ's healing touch in the Courts of Heaven, Patrick gained strength to walk in lasting freedom.