What connections exist between Ezekiel 43:23 and New Testament teachings on sacrifice? Text of Ezekiel 43:23 “When you have finished purifying it, you are to offer an unblemished young bull and an unblemished ram from the flock.” Key Themes Embedded in the Verse • Unblemished animals – God requires a flawless substitute • Sin offering – a sacrifice that removes guilt and restores fellowship • Completion of purification – sacrifice follows cleansing, sealing the altar for holy service New Testament Connections: Christ as the Unblemished Offering • John 1:29 – “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” • Hebrews 9:13-14 – animal blood purified outwardly; “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19 – redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21 – He “became sin for us,” the perfect sin offering foreshadowed by Ezekiel’s bull and ram. Contrast and Fulfillment • Repeated animal sacrifices (Ezekiel 43) ➔ one final sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10-14). • External altar cleansing ➔ internal heart cleansing. • Earthly temple ➔ heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24). Believers as Living Sacrifices • Romans 12:1 – “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” – Unblemished life of obedience mirrors the unblemished animals. • Philippians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:6 – lives poured out like drink offerings, echoing temple ritual. Continuing Significance • God still demands holiness; only a perfect substitute satisfies divine justice. • Christ’s once-for-all offering secures eternal access; no further blood is needed (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Our worship flows from a purified heart, responding to the finished work on the cross with self-giving service rather than repeated animal sacrifice. |
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