In the trespass offering, we learn that “trespass” is connected with a case wherein God is dishonored, even though it may be a mere man who was defrauded. Nor is it sufficient that a sacrifice be offered to God, but the wrong done to man was to be repaid, and that not only in full; one-fifth more was to be added to the amount of recompense.
Now if we turn to Psalm 69, we have the Lord Himself prophetically speaking, “Then I restored that which I took not away” (vs. 4). Man has sinned against God; Christ has made restitution for him. This is another aspect of the sin offering. The trespass offering takes account of damage that accrues to one through another’s sin. And if we consider how sin dishonored God, the reproach cast upon Him by man’s sin, we see how the Lord not only suffered in the sinner’s stead on the cross for his sins, but He glorified God in all the reproach and dishonor brought to Him by sin. The Lord Jesus Christ not only answered to God for man’s sins, but He brought glory and honor to God, so that (speaking reverently) God’s nature has been glorified. The fifth part has been added thereto, so that God is richer than if sin had never intruded on His fair creation. At the cross of Christ we see how God’s holiness — intrinsic holiness — His righteousness, His grace, His love, and all His attributes meet. Truly He has been glorified!
P. Wilson (adapted)