six types of sacrifices to God:
Just for your thoughts.
The people of Israel offered six types of sacrifices to God:
the burnt offering, grain offering, peace offering, sin offering, guilt offering, and drink offering.
The first four of these offerings were voluntary, while the last two were compulsory, to be made when a person had committed a wrong.
These sacrifices are related to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. They were a shadow of the work of Christ, who was offered as a sacrifice for our sins. Through Jesus Christ, we too are called to offer spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to God (1 Peter 2:5).
There are three main purposes for offering these sacrifices: Commitment, Communion, and Cleansing (W. W. Wiersbe). That is—dedication, fellowship with Him, and holiness.
We must offer spiritual sacrifices to God so that we dedicate ourselves to Him, commune with Him, and grow in holiness.
Whether it is our worship, our praise, or the offerings we give to ministry, if they do not fulfill these three purposes in our lives, our spiritual sacrifices become meaningless. We must understand this first. Our worship and praise should never be merely for excitement or for entertainment.
Without understanding this foundational truth, what is often done in the name of worship or praise ends up bringing dishonor to the Lord’s name among the nations. The spiritual sacrifices that ought to be offered to God for the highest spiritual purpose have been turned into publicity events. Churches have been turned into theaters; sanctuaries have become recreation halls.
If believers would read the book of Leviticus not merely as historical events but in light of New Testament truth, the eyes of our hearts would be opened, and we would gain a fresh perspective on sacrifices. The light we receive through God’s Word is exceedingly glorious, and the spiritual freedom it imparts is great. Nothing else can give us that freedom.
He who has ears, let him hear.
Ezekiel Shanmugavel