An Introduction to Temple Sacrifices

for

Community Bible StudyLongmont

1January 21, 2014

Outline

Mankind has always been faced with eternal questions!

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Mankind’s Eternal Questions

Q: How can we mere human beings become closer to our God? …that is, how can we develop a personal relationship with Him?

Q: How can we become “holy” (perfect in His sight) worthy of being in His presence forever?

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Outline

Mankind has always been faced with eternal questions!

Jesus Christ is referenced (directly or indirectly) on virtually every page of the Bible!

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Jesus Throughout the Bible

If that is true, where is the first reference to Jesus in the Bible?

Genesis 1:1 – In English: “In (the) beginning God created….”

In Hebrew: “Beresheet bara Elohim…”• “Beresheet” means “in beginning”• “bara” means “to create out of nothing”• “Elohim” is a plural name for “God” (YHWH)

Hebrew uses three types of nouns: singular, dual (used for 2), and plural (used for 3 or more).

The Trinity is referenced in the third word of the first sentence of the Bible!

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Outline

Mankind has always been faced with eternal questions!

Jesus Christ of referenced on virtually every page of the Bible!

Much of the Bible is prophetic.

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Bible Prophesies

One purpose of prophesy is to glorify God by demonstrating His omniscience!

He knows all things—past, present, and future.

What is “prophesy”?Greek (or Western) worldview:• Prophesy means Prediction Fulfillment

Hebrew worldview:• Prophesy is “Pattern” (or “Type”)

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Bible Prophesies

Of the more than 3,000 biblical prophesies, more than 300 relate (directly or indirectly) to the birth, life, death, resurrection, or second coming of Jesus Christ.

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Outline

Mankind has always been faced with eternal questions!

Jesus Christ of referenced on virtually every page of the Bible!

Much of the Bible is prophetic.

All biblical sacrifices are prophetic in nature and many foreshadow the sacrificial atonement of Jesus.

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What is a “sacrifice”?

In English: 1. An act of offering something precious to a

deity; specifically, the offering of an immolated animal.

2. Something offered in sacrifice.

3. Destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else; something given up or lost

4. loss, deprivation.

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What is a “sacrifice”?

In Hebrew (“korban”): 1. “Korban” comes from the same root as “to

come near, to approach ,.. to become closely involved with someone.”

2. In the Bible, “korban” is used exclusively in the context of man’s relationship with God—the concept of coming close

The purpose of Biblical “sacrifices,” then, is to strive for nearness to God.

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King David’s Prayer

Psalm 73:28: “But it is good for me to draw near to God…”

For the Jew, nearness to God is the truest, the highest, the only conception of what goodness really is.

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Animal Sacrifices

Animal sacrifices were among the earliest and most profound expressions of the human desire to come as close as possible to God.

The Torah incorporates this type of practice by prescribing such offerings. [Leviticus]

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First Recorded Biblical Sacrifice

In the Garden of Eden after the “Fall” [Genesis 3]

Adam and Eve first tried to cover their nakedness with foliage (“fig leaves”) because they (or their sin) had been exposed.

“Mankind” seeking to cover their own sin

First “religious” act in the Bible

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First Recorded Biblical Sacrifice

Then, God provided Adam and Eve with coverings made from an animal’s skin.

This was the first shedding of innocent blood to cover sin.

What kind of animal did God use?

Although not spelled out specifically in Scripture, some scholars believe that it was probably a “Lamb.”

A pattern , type, or foreshadowing of future sacrifices (e.g. Passover, Calvary)

John the Baptist – “Behold the Lamb of God!”17

Temple Sacrifices and Offerings

The Jewish sacrificial system is prescribed in the Torah not only to atone for various types of sin, but also for other purposes.

All biblical sacrifices not only fulfill God’s word, but also, they foreshadow future events!

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Temple Sacrifices and Offerings

Four aspects of creation are represented in Temple sacrifices. They are united together, thus, reaching their fullest potential in fulfilling God’s will while sanctifying and glorifying His name.

The priest who offered each sacrifice represents humanity

The animals offered represent the animal kingdom (e.g., bulls, goats, sheep, doves, pigeons)

The flour, frankincense, or libations represent the world of plants

Even the inanimate level is represented…for salt must be a part of every sacrifice.

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Temple Sacrifices and Offerings

Thus, when a physical Temple stands, Jews believe that all of creation functions in harmony.

They believe that this is one aspect of how the temple brings peace to the world.

“…and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:9]

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Mankind’s Dilemma

In all creation, “mankind” is unique because he is a living contradiction.

He lives between the physical and spiritual worlds and, throughout his life, he is in a constant struggle between the pull of these two opposing forces.

So, how does God provide us with an answer to this dilemma?

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“Atonement” is God’s Answer

What is “atonement”? 1. satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends.

2. Theol. the doctrine concerning the reconciliation of God and humankind, esp. as accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ.

“Atonement” brings us to “at-one-ment” with God!

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Jesus Solves Our Dilemma

John 14:6: Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Hebrews 10:12-14 : After Jesus offered once and for all time the one true sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. … By the one sacrifice He made perfect forever those who are being made holy (sanctified).

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Conclusion

Romans 12:1,2:“I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

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