Journal: Ashland Theological Journal
Volume: ATJ 10:1 (NA 1977)
Article: Leviticus and Trine Communion
Author: Joseph N. Kickasola

ATJ 10 (1977) p. 3

Leviticus and Trine Communion

Joseph N. Kickasola, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Old Testament
Ashland Theological Seminary

Outline

I. Introduction

II. General Considerations

A. Feasts

B. Offerings

C. Leviticus 17:11

III. Sacrificial Procedure: Three Categories and the Six Ritual Acts

A. Expiation (Crisis Experience)

1. Presentation

2. Leaning

3. Slaughter

4. Manipulation

B. Consecration (Changing Experience)

5. Sublimation

C. Celebration (Sharing Experience)

6. Meal

IV. Significance of Ritual Acts: Three Fulfillment Aspects

A. Objective-Central Aspect: Christ

1. Expiation (Crisis-Blood): The Death of Christ

2. Consecration (Changing-Fire): The Life of Christ

3. Celebration (Sharing-Meal): The Supper of Christ

B. Subjective-Individual Aspect: Christ within the Christian

1. Expiation (Crisis-Blood): Conversion

2. Consecration (Changing-Fire): Sanctification

3. Celebration (Sharing-Meal): Communion Joy

C. Ceremonial-Corporate Aspect: Christ in the Christian Ceremonies

1. Expiation (Crisis-Blood): Eucharist

2. Consecration (Changing-Fire): Pedilavium

3. Celebration (Sharing-Meal): Agape

V. Practical Observations

A. Sequence

B. Manner

ATJ 10 (1977) p. 4

I. Introduction

The purpose of this study, Leviticus and Trine1 Communion, is to restudy the New Testament ceremonies of the Eucharist (the bread and cup of blessing), the Pedilavium (the ceremonial washing of feet), and the Agape (the love-feast, the Lord’s Supper) from an Old Testament perspective. This study is needful for two reasons. The first reason is that it has been more than a decade since these have been studied together.2 The second reason is that these three have never been studied together in the light of Old Testament ceremonial (sacrificial) categories.3 It is the view of this writer that the implications of Levitical procedure for Christian liturgy are significant, and have been largely overlooked, and are herein the distinctively new element. Perhaps a third need ca...