Now since the 'garbage' has all been sufficiently strewn by all, including me, I shall attempt to elucidate as to whom is being referred, what is the circumstance, and the distinction that is the 'scapegoat', from Scripture, since that was what first drew all the ire. However first, I shall put in a couple or three of Biblical principles, IMO.
The first refers to sin. I shall not repeat all Scripture says about this subject, since there are some 1000 individual references to sin in Scripture, in all the manifestations. However I believe a fair summary is one given in my post # 10 in:
http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?p=936332#post936332
This is he first question one must get, IMO.
The second has to do with "type(s)" and "antitype(s). These words are not to be found in the KJV, RV, or ASV, although the Greek words here translated "antitupon" and and "tupos" are found in the Greek and can be found in the NKJV, at I Pet. 3:21 (antitype) and Rom. 5:14 (type) respectively. A "type" is Biblically and theologically a picture or figure of something else, usually that which is to come at a later time; an "antitype" is the 'fulfillment' of a 'type'. I have said this in order to establish a definition of some things I will use in this post.
Thirdly, three concepts have been brought forth in this thread; the 'offering of the shed blood', the priest, and the "scapegoat".
So let's start in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve sinned. God provided them a 'covering' of animal skins, hence the shed blood. This can fairly well be characterized as a 'type' of Christ shedding his blood on the cross, IMO, although this is not stated directly. I add the "IMO" simply because I do not speak dogmatically about something that is not directly stated in Scripture. Anyone else an do here as they please. As "the blood of bulls and goats" was shed from the time of Adam and Eve until Calvary and the crucifixion of the Lord, I think it is a fair picture. However this blood could only 'cover' sins temporarily, and could not "take it away" in any permanent sense. The "remission" that was permanent was only possible with the death of Christ, and the sin(s) was now atoned for. The Lord Jesus Christ is the 'antitype' of the animals sacrifices, again although the word 'antitype' is not here used, save theologically.
The second is that of the priest, specifically the high priest. The first mention or appearance of any priest, is that of Melchizedek, to Abram. Melchizedek was the type; the Lord Jesus is the antitype, as I see it. (Scripture provided if requested on everything I have said thus far.) Note that the appearance of any priest was long after the blood sacrifice, by some 2000 years.
The third is the 'scapegoat', which first and only appears in Lev. 16 and four times there. The 'scapegoat' was symbolic (a type) of the one who would 'take away' the sins of Israel, under the Law. However this, too, was nothing more than a symbol. As the "blood of bulls and goats" could not actually 'atone' for sin, neither could the symbolism of the High Priest 'laying the sin on the goat' actually 'remove' it. That too would have to wait for the antitype, which is the Lord Jesus Christ.
The scapegoat merely was led off into the wilderness. All our sins were laid on Jesus (Isa. 53:6).
He removed them "as far as the east is from the west". (Ps. 103:12) Isaiah saw this, as well when he said "
for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back." (Isa. 38:17c)
So did Paul. "19 t
hat is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore
you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (II Cor. 5:19-21)
And I will add Apollos to that list (It's my post, and I believe Apollos wrote Hebrews, although I could be persuaded of another 'Second Generation' Christian, but probably not Paul.).
"8Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein;
which are offered by the law; 9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.
He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Heb. 10:8-10)
" but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many." (Heb. 9:26b-28a)
"4 For
it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.;... 17
then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”[
s] 18 Now where there is remission of these,
there is no longer an offering for sin." (Heb. 10:4, 17-18)
"12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. " (Heb. 13:12)
That is just some of what Scripture actually teaches on this.
Another thing is the bit about Azaliel. (Can anyone say "red herring?") That word is merely a transliteration of the Hebrew word for (literally) "away from goat", hence scapegoat. GE got that right. There is not one hint of Satan being identified with this in Scripture, as I read it. If there is, please show me where.
And another name outside the Scriptures means little, even if it is the same name. A 'Paul' is a very close friend of mine, but he is not the author of 13 NT books.
Finally with all respect, ClaudiaT, you unfortunately did 'change horses in the middle of the stream' on a position or two on this thread. This is not a criticism, necessarily, but only an observation. Might I suggest you and all others, including me, read our posts before we actually post them. It will save a lot of 'grief'.
BTW, you owed me no apology, but thanks for the gesture.
Ed
P.S. I'm a bit tired, so may have more than my usual typos in this post. I apologize.
