Sin offering

Yesterday, I took a look at the "sin offering" in Leviticus 4.  The one detail glaringly clear, in my mind at least, was that before the writer tells about the types of sins in chapter 5, one reads, who is allowed forgiveness by the offerings of a blood sacrifice.  The natural question would be, "you mean forgiveness is not allowed for all?"  The answer is "all are without excuse" (Rom. 1.20) and if one fits a category given in chapter 4, then, by grace, of course one may obtain forgiveness of sins.
Remember, it is God Who chooses those He bestows grace and forgiveness. (Mal 1.3, Rom 9.13, Eph. 2.8, 9).

Categories of those without excuse:

1. (4.2) "a soul"

•  basically, anyone. But remember who this chapter is written to.  "Chosen people, Israel."  Should that make a difference with this first category?  You decide.

      2. (4.13) "whole congregation"

•  all the assembly the author would be addressing is held to the  same law - even if the sin is    "through ignorance."  Again, we are all "without excuse."

      3. (4.22) "a ruler"

•  no one, regardless of social or political status, is exempt.  "All have sinned and come short..." (Rom 3.23)

      4. (4.27) "common people"

• even those who are not privileged to the teaching of the law.  This one gives me trouble except to comprehend the doctrine of election.  God, who is holy and answers only to that holiness and to no created being, directs His salvation, through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom and when HE chooses.  
• Election is one of those doctrines I rest in but must at times "put in the mystery bag." (I Tim 3.9, Col 1.27, Eph 6.19...)

The conclusion of "to whom" the sin offering is granted would be the words of an old preacher;

"The mystery is not that He chose some but that He chose any!"

                                "I'm glad I'm one of them!"