The Spirit Of Sacrificial Laws Series

Burnt offerings (Numbers 28:2-6) and grain and drink offerings (Numbers 28:2-8) were given often, as well as a whole liturgy of other offerings throughout the years. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian in the spirit? Paul gave the Romans a basic principle that applies the law in spirit.

Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

We no longer sacrifice animals. There are other kinds of sacrifice that we are encouraged to make in service to God and others. What is the most important sacrifice that Christians should focus upon?

Hebrews 10:10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

May a Christian offer animal sacrifices if they really want to? There is nothing specifically forbidding this, but why would we want to insult the sacrifice of Christ, as if it was insufficient? He was offered “once for all.” That should settle it.

2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Jesus became our sacrifice for sin. Following His example, we can sacrifice for others by walking in love.

Ephesians 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Jesus’ sacrifice covers all the blood sacrifices of the Old Testament. They are no longer needed.

Hebrews 10:18 Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Jesus became our burnt offering, a total offering (Leviticus 1). Jesus is our grain offering (Leviticus 2) who became the Bread of Life. Jesus became our peace offering, bringing peace between God and humanity (Leviticus 3). Jesus became our sin offering, permanently erasing our sins (Leviticus 4). Jesus became our guilt offering, permanently erasing our guilt (Leviticus 5).

So then, the spirit of the sacrificial laws are two. Jesus is our once for all sacrifice, but we follow His example by becoming living sacrifices in service to God and humanity.