Since ancient times and even today, animal sacrifices have been found in many cultures, cults, and religions. The need for atonement by blood indicates the spiritual thirst of humanity. Sadly, they fail to see the ultimate sacrifice of Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.
Visible to invisible: The burnt offering which is given to the Lord is visible. As it is burnt on the altar, it becomes invisible as the smoke reaches the sky. This is symbolic of the offering becoming a sweet aroma to the Lord. (Leviticus 2:9)
Without blemish: The sacrificial animal must be perfect, without blemish. God expects absolute purity and holiness. It is foolish to give a lame or sick animal as a gift to the governor or for paying taxes. If so, offering to God also should be without blemish. (Malachi 1:8-9)
Ownership of God: In the burnt offering, nothing is returned to the person who offers or to the priest. It completely belongs to God. The whole creation was created by God out of nothing. Hence, he is the ultimate owner of all things seen and unseen in the world. The burnt offering is an acknowledgment of the ownership of God over Israel, in fact, the whole world.
Expression of faith: The sacrifices are done publicly. It is an expression of faith by obedience. Throughout the Old Testament, all sacrifices were offered as expressions of faith in the ultimate sacrifice of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. The person who offers should be pure when he offers the sacrifice.
Blood: The life is in the blood. (Leviticus 17:11) The blood, the symbol of life was poured out on the altar to signify the returning of life to the giver of all life. Lord Jesus Christ shed his blood as atonement for the sins of humanity. (I Peter 1:19: Matthew 26:28) God is the owner of all life, and life returns to him. Hence, murder, suicide, and abortion are sins against God.
Do I understand the significance of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ?