Middle School Bible Lessons - Old Testament

Leviticus is the third of the five books written by Moses. Inspired by God, it is a word that should be viewed as seriously as the other books of the Bible. Its importance can be seen, not only in that it too is inspired, but in the period of time it covers and its subject matter.

When answering a question about who would be saved, Jesus related what would happen to some of those that confessed him with the mouth: “I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity” (Luke 13:27). Why were there some that were told to depart, even though they made a confession of Jesus Christ? It was because their walk in life was contrary to their confession. In another place, Jesus stated that a tree is known by its fruits—“For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes” (Luke 6:44). The second half of Leviticus deals largely about the fruits that should be in the life of a believer.

The book in your hand is a guide to help you study the Bible and to open for you, with God’s blessing, the beautiful riches contained in Scripture. However, before we begin to study the books of the Bible, we should first understand what the Bible is and how to approach the Bible.

Many ungodly people believe that the world came into existence by accident. This accident is given the name evolution. However, as you read the first verse of Genesis you will find something truly amazing. The Bible reveals that the world did not come about by accident/chance. The first verse says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

In Genesis 1, God gave us a general overview of the days of creation. In Genesis 2, God draws our attention to a special part of His creation. He gives us greater detail about the creation of man. God made man in a special way. He “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2.7)

The most disastrous event in the history of mankind is told to us in Genesis 3. After God had created the world, placed man in the midst of the Garden and gave our first parents the freedom to enjoy the fruits of the Garden, our first parents transgressed against the clear command of God.

Cain killed Abel. We are told that Abel’s blood cries from the ground. What does it cry? It cries for justice. There is, however, a blood that “speaketh better things than that of Abel.” (Heb. 12.24) It is the blood of Christ. Christ’s blood satisfied the just demands of God’s law. The blood of Christ cries out for mercy and pardon.

Even though God was just to be angry with humanity, He would still manifest His grace. First, we see it manifested in Noah. Noah was not spared because he was better than others. Noah was spared because of grace. “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Gen.6.8) This grace was given because Noah believed and feared the Lord – By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house…” (Heb. 11.7)

The destruction of the world before the flood is a picture of the judgment that shall take place in the last days. All those who set their hearts against the Lord will perish. Although this is a just end that comes upon a rebellious people, it is also a sad picture. Many generations had passed sins Adam transgressed. In all those years God was “striving with man.” (Gen. 6.3) However, as God was calling sinners to Himself, they rebelled more and more. The same is true today. Jesus Christ commanded that the gospel be preached to every creature.

Through Noah, God established a covenant with the whole earth. The promise made to Noah, extended not only to his family and his seed, but to “every living creature that is with you.” (Gen. 9.10) As a token of His promise, God set a rainbow in the cloud. What are we reminded of when we see the rainbow? Not only that God has promised not to destroy the earth with a flood anymore, but especially that God looks upon the “bow in the cloud” and remembers. It is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.