Sacrifices Under the New Covenant

We merely scratched the surface last Sunday with regards to sacrifices in the New Testament. There is no way we can cover all the ground in one class, but hopefully we opened up the horizon and showed how crucial an understanding of the old sacrificial system is to understanding the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and our own daily sacrifices.

The New Testament writers and the early church grounded much of their theology and practices in their foundation of the Law of Moses. When they spoke of the sacrifice Christ made they knew exactly what sacrifice meant to them as a people. We do not have that foundation unless we know and understand what was going on in the Levitical code and how the sacrifices functioned.

The bottom line is that the animal sacrifices (and others) were a way to forgive sins so that the people of Israel could continue a relationship with their God. Through his grace and mercy, God allowed the sacrifices to wash away trangressions and grant his people righteousness and holiness. Without this system they stood condemned in thier sin and God was not just in punishing sin.

Christ's death on the cross fulfilled the requirements of the old law by punishing sin and allowing all those who believe in him to be justified in the face of God. We can enter his presence because of the blood of Christ. And he was the perfect sacrifice that never has to be offered again.

Here are just some of the passges that speak of Jesus' sacrifice and what it accomplished:

• Romans 3:21-26; 8:1-4
• Hebrews 10
• I John 2:2, 4:10
• Anywhere the blood of Christ is mentioned
• Anywhere redemption, ransom, and deliverance are brought up

But the New Testament is also clear that even though Christ's death occured when the large majority of people who lived were not around (either having already died or having not yet been born) everyone who has lived or will live can participate in that death. His sacrifice reaches back in time and forgives those who had faith in God and those of us who live under the new covenant participate in his death and resurrection through our baptism.

Here are a couple of the passages that speak of our participation in Christ's sacrifice:

• Romans 6:1-7
• Ephesians 5:1-2
• Anywhere baptism and the Lord's Supper are discussed

On top of participating in the actual death of Jesus, we are also asked to offer up daily sacrifices to our God. We do this for the some of the same reasons the Israelites offered, our relationship with God and our thankfulness for what he has given us. We no longer slaughter animals, but we do give of what God has given us and we should keep the same priorities of giving sacrifices that cost us, that are perfect and unblemished, and that show our trust in his power to provide. God accepts these sacrifices because of our humble spirit and the love we have for him and others. Without that attitude our giving is hollow and meaningless to God.

• Acts 10:3-6
• Romans 12:1
• Philippians 4:18
• Hebrews 13:16

We must always remember that not only does Christ's death on the cross define who we are, but Christ taught that greatness in the kingdom is dependent upon our servant nature. The first will be last and the last first, and the greatest among us will be a servant to all. Service and sacrifice are what mark those who belong to the kingdom of God and those who live by the new covenant.

Next Sunday we will begin discussing the priesthood of Leviticus and their role in God's nation. Please be reading Leviticus 7:28-10:20 in preparation.

Stay Holy,

Len