How can we apply the principles of sacrifice from Ezekiel 43:18 today? The setting of Ezekiel 43:18 • “Then He said to me: ‘Son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: These are the statutes of the altar on the day it is built, to offer burnt offerings upon it and to sprinkle blood on it.’” (Ezekiel 43:18) • God is restoring proper worship in the future temple, emphasizing holiness, atonement, and obedience. Timeless principles drawn from the altar • Holiness matters—only what God prescribes is acceptable (Leviticus 1:3-9). • Blood points to substitutionary atonement (Hebrews 9:22). • Sacrifice costs something valuable (2 Samuel 24:24). • Worship is God-centered, not self-designed. • Obedience precedes blessing (1 Samuel 15:22). Fulfilled and re-focused in Christ • “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12) • Earthly sacrifices foreshadowed the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 10:1-14). • Believers are now “a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) Practical ways to live sacrificially today Personal consecration - Offer your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) - Guard moral purity, media intake, and habits; your body is God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Daily obedience - Immediate, willing compliance with Scripture reflects a heart on the altar. - Choose integrity at work, honesty in taxes, faithfulness in marriage. Generous giving - Give the first and best of income, time, and talents (Proverbs 3:9). - Support gospel work and the needy; “Do not neglect to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) Servant-hearted ministry - Volunteer, mentor, or disciple; pour out your life “as a drink offering.” (Philippians 2:17). - Accept inconvenience for the good of Christ’s body (Galatians 6:2). Praise and thanksgiving - “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15) - Sing, testify, and thank Him in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Repentance and confession - Keep short accounts with God; brokenness is a sacrifice He will not despise (Psalm 51:17). - Replace hidden sin with transparent, humble submission to His Word. Guarding the heart behind the offering • Motive matters—Cain’s rejected sacrifice warns against empty ritual (Genesis 4:5). • Sacrifice without love or justice is hypocrisy (Micah 6:6-8). • The altar of the heart must stay cleansed by the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7-9). Sacrifice as a lifestyle of worship • Every decision, dollar, and relationship can be placed on God’s altar (Colossians 3:17). • Carry the cross daily, denying self for Christ’s sake (Luke 9:23). • Anticipate eternal reward for earthly sacrifices (Matthew 16:27). Encouragement to engage • God still delights in wholehearted, costly devotion. • Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice empowers believers to live surrendered lives. • The altar in Ezekiel invites worshipers today to bring everything—time, treasure, talents, ambitions—to the feet of the Savior, confident that nothing given to Him is ever lost (Mark 10:29-30). |
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