City of Refuge
Introduction. This morning we are going to look at something that was a part of the Old Testament Law of Moses and draw some comparisons between what is taught there and our relationship with God in Christ.
I. Six Cities of Refuge.
- The Law regarding Manslaughter.
- Cities of refuge for accidental death. (Numbers 35:9-15)
- Distinction between murder & manslaughter. (Numbers 35:16-24)
- Safe only inside the city of refuge. (Numbers 35:25-29)
- Blood atonement. (Numbers 35:30-34)
- Easily accessible. (Deuteronomy 19:1-13)
- Cities appointed under Joshua. (Joshua 20:1-6)
- On the west of the Jordan. (Joshua 20:7)
- On the east of the Jordan. (Joshua 20:8)
II. The Church of the Living God - The Heavenly Jerusalem.
- Those who are in Christ have come to “Heavenly Jerusalem.” (Hebrews 12:22-24)
- In coming to Christ we flee to Him for refuge. (Hebrews 6:13-18)
- Those who have sinned can find protection in Christ. (Acts 26:17,18)
- This protection is for all sin (not only accidental wrong-doing). (Matthew 1:21)
- The way to Christ is easily accessible. (Acts 17:26,27; Romans 10:8-11)
- Like the avenger of blood Satan seeks to overtake those outside of the security of the City of God. (I Peter 5:8)