How does Exodus 29:16 connect to Christ's sacrificial death in the New Testament? Exodus 29:16 — the Shadow “You are to slaughter the ram, take its blood, and sprinkle it on and around the altar.” Why the Ram Matters • A spotless animal chosen and set apart • Offered on behalf of others, not for its own sin • Its death provides a covering that allows fellowship with God The Blood Sprinkled — a Picture of Atonement • Blood applied “on and around the altar” shows complete consecration • Life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11); spilled life satisfies divine justice • Sprinkling signals cleansing and acceptance (cf. Hebrews 9:19-22) Christ, the True and Better Sacrifice • “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) • “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) • “Not through the blood of goats and calves but through His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12) Connections to the Cross • Ram slaughtered → Jesus willingly lays down His life (John 10:18) • Blood sprinkled on altar → Jesus’ blood poured out on the cross, applied to believers’ hearts (Hebrews 10:19-22) • Altar consecrated → Cross sanctifies a people for God (Hebrews 13:12) Fulfillment Highlighted in Other Scriptures • 1 Peter 1:18-19 — “redeemed… with precious blood, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” • 1 Corinthians 5:7 — “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” • Revelation 1:5 — “To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood” Living in the Reality Today • Confidence to approach God, cleansed by Christ’s blood (Hebrews 10:22) • Call to continual consecration, offering ourselves “as living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1) • Assurance that the once-for-all sacrifice secures eternal redemption, removing fear and guilt (Hebrews 9:14) |
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