Sermon from Exodus 30:11-16, details, outline, and scriptural backing.

Title: The Importance of Atonement in the Eyes of God

Text: Exodus 30:11-16

Introduction:
- The concept of atonement is central to the Christian faith, as it represents the reconciliation between God and humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
- In the Old Testament, atonement was achieved through the offering of sacrifices and the shedding of blood.
- In Exodus 30:11-16, we see the importance of atonement in the eyes of God and how it was to be carried out in the tabernacle.

I. The Requirement of Atonement (Exodus 30:11-12)
- God commands Moses to take a census of the Israelites and collect a ransom from each person as a means of atonement for their lives.
- This ransom was to be used for the service of the tabernacle, symbolizing the need for atonement to be made before approaching God.

II. The Equal Value of Atonement (Exodus 30:13-15)
- The ransom required for atonement was the same for everyone, regardless of their wealth or social status.
- This demonstrates that in the eyes of God, all are equal and in need of atonement for their sins.
- The atonement was not a matter of personal merit or worthiness, but a recognition of the universal need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

III. The Consequences of Atonement (Exodus 30:16)
- The ransom collected for atonement was to be used for the service of the tabernacle, ensuring that the worship of God could continue unhindered.
- Failure to make atonement would result in being cut off from the community, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for reconciliation with God.

Conclusion:
- The passage from Exodus 30:11-16 highlights the importance of atonement in the eyes of God and the universal need for forgiveness and reconciliation with Him.
- As Christians, we are reminded of the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ on the cross, which offers us forgiveness and salvation through His sacrifice.
- Let us approach God with humility and gratitude for the atonement provided for us through Jesus Christ, recognizing our need for His grace and mercy in our lives.

Sermon Title: The Tabernacle's Atonement Ritual

Scripture Text: Exodus 30:11-16

Sermon Outline:

I. The Significance of Atonement

- Definition of atonement: reconciliation with God
- Old Testament sacrifices as foreshadowings of Christ's sacrifice
- The need for mankind to be reconciled with God due to sin

II. The Tabernacle's Atonement Ritual (Exodus 30:11-16)

A. The Command to Take a Census (vv. 11-12)
- Purpose: to determine the required atonement payment
- Each adult male to pay a half-shekel

B. The Collection of the Atonement Money (vv. 13-14)
- Silver used for making the sanctuary
- Reminder of the redemption of Israel from slavery

C. The Use of the Atonement Money (vv. 16)
- For constructing the laver and its pedestal
- For washing the hands and feet of the priests
- Symbolized purification and sanctification

III. The Application of Christ's Atonement

- Jesus' death on the cross as the ultimate atonement sacrifice
- His shed blood cleanses us from sin
- We are reconciled with God through faith in Christ

IV. Our Response to Christ's Atonement

- Gratitude and worship
- Obedience to God's commandments
- Sharing the message of salvation with others

Scriptural Backing:

I. The Significance of Atonement
- Isaiah 59:2: "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he does not hear."
- Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
- Romans 5:10: "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."

II. The Tabernacle's Atonement Ritual
- Exodus 30:11-16 (passage text)

III. The Application of Christ's Atonement
- Colossians 1:14: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses."
- Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

IV. Our Response to Christ's Atonement
- Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
- Mark 16:15: "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"