Levitical Sacrifices Research

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Significance of the Levitical sacrifices
The levitical sacrifices were laws given by God to the Israelites concerning the correct way the people should approach God. The sacrifices showed the people that there is access to God and that their sacrifices are necessary to approach God. It also showed the people that sin is serious; it leads to death and people need to realize their need for a Savior. The sacrifices also featured fellowship with God. Levitical sacrifices can be divided into two kinds: (1) the animal sacrifices which involved the shedding of blood and (2) the non-animal offerings which were bloodless offerings (Allis 1951, 99).
The animal sacrifices
Hebrews 9:22 states that there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. After the fall of man, God provided in a temporary atonement of sins by instituting animal sacrifice. In providing clothes for Adam and Eve and thus covering their shame, an animal had to be slain to teach that access to God was only available through blood sacrifice. Animal offerings were also a symbol to point out to the future sacrifice of Christ at the cross. The purpose of the animal offering was thus of expiatory character (Allis 1951, 99); it was to bring atonement for the sins of the offerer. In Leviticus God commanded, through the Law, these offerings.
The animal sacrifices were classified as burnt, trespass, sin and peace offerings. The animal that was to be offered had to be of the highest quality and depending on the wealth of the offerer, it could be an animal of the herd (ram, bullock), of the livestock (sheep or goat) or of the birds (turtledoves or pigeons). It was brought by the offerer to the altar in the Tabernacle. There the offerer put his hand on the head of the animal, ...

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...the people. Today’s believers are set apart by spiritual birth to be priests in order to minister atonement to others. 1 Petrus 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (NIV). As the priests were consecrated by putting blood on their ears, their right hand thumbs, and their right feet great toes, so we as believers are consecrated to render service with our hands, to hear the voice of God, and to walk a holy life. The oil that was poured on the priests and their garments indicate that we as believers should be daily filled with the Holy Spirit.
Aaron, as the high priest, refers to Christ as our heavenly High Priest, who is the ultimate mediator between God and man. Only through Jesus Christ we can find access to God.

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