Answers about sacrifice

In what way were sacrifices “shadows”?

A shadow is a picture cast by a tangible object. The sacrifices were a representation of the atonement/reconciliation/forgiveness of sins the coming messiah would achieve. Jesus the Messiah was the tangible reality. The sacrifices were the picture illustrating aspects of this amazing salvation to come through Jesus. The Law of Moses, extensively used physical things [...]

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How did all the Israelites, 2-3 million, get through the tabernacle to make their personal sacrifices?

The total area of the tabernacle was 100 x 50 cubits (that is roughly 150 x 75 feet or 50 x 25 metres). This area was used to kill the sacrificial animals for the whole population. If you compare this with the size of a modern abattoir that is needed to process even a few [...]

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How do we become sanctified?

A short answer to this question, is through faith in Jesus Christ who offered himself as a sacrifice for sin. A more detailed answer: We are sanctified or made holy, by the word of God and through the offering of the body of Jesus (John 17:17-19).  How does this happen? God’s seed or gospel takes [...]

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How old was Isaac when Abraham took him to be sacrificed?

We are not told how old Isaac was at the time he was taken to be sacrificed on Mt Moriah (Genesis 22:1-19).  He was old enough to walk for three days, and to carry the wood for the burnt offering (Genesis 22:6). So it would seem he was probably at least 12, and possibly considerably [...]

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Did Jesus participate in sacrifices at the Temple?

When Jesus was a baby, sacrifices were offered as part of his consecration (see Luke 2:22-24). We also know that Jesus went to Jerusalem at Passover time (see How many times did Jesus attend the Passover celebration?). Part of the Passover festival involved sacrifice at the temple (Deuteronomy 16:5-7). Then he went to the Feast [...]

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Under the Old Covenant what would happen to someone who didn’t offer an animal sacrifice?

The first animal sacrifice recorded in Moses’ time was at The Passover. Each Israelite family was required to kill a lamb and put its blood on the doorframe; to save the firstborn of the family from death: “For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn [...]

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What does Hebrews 10:5 — “a body have you prepared for me” — mean?

Hebrews 10:5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me;” In readings by those who believe that Jesus already existed in heaven (Trinity, Jehovah’s Witnesses) this is often taken to mean that God prepared a foetus in Mary’s womb [...]

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When Jesus went back to heaven after his resurrection, did he sprinkle blood on the altar or mercy seat?

Most sacrifices were completed by sprinkling some blood from the sacrifice on the altar. And in one specific case (Lev 16) on the mercy seat (or atonement cover). Since Jesus’ death was a sacrifice, it might make sense that his blood should be sprinkled on the altar. But there’s no evidence that this happened, nor [...]

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Why wasn’t God pleased with Cain’s offering?

This question is about the events in Genesis 4, especially v3-5: {3} In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, {4} and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his [...]

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