What connections exist between Ezekiel 46:6 and New Testament teachings on sacrifice? “On the day of the New Moon he shall offer a young bull without blemish, six lambs, and a ram, all without blemish.” Ezekiel 46:6 in its Context • Set within a prophetic description of temple worship during the coming Messianic age (Ezekiel 40–48). • Prescribes a New-Moon offering—distinct from daily, Sabbath, or festival sacrifices—highlighting perpetual, rhythmic devotion to God. Foreshadowing Embedded in the Verse • “Without blemish” underscores God’s demand for flawless substitutes, hinting ahead to the one perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14). • Multiple animals picture completeness—bull (strength), ram (leadership), lambs (innocence)—collectively portraying facets Christ fulfills in one body (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7). New Testament Echoes of Ezekiel 46:6 1. Christ as the spotless offering ‑ 1 Peter 1:19: “but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” ‑ Hebrews 10:10: “We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” 2. Shadows and substance ‑ Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore let no one judge you… with regard to a festival or a New Moon… these are a shadow of the things to come, but the body belongs to Christ.” 3. Fragrant offering language ‑ Ephesians 5:2: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” 4. Ongoing memorial aspect ‑ 1 Corinthians 11:26: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” Christ’s table functions for the church the way sacrificial ceremonies function in Ezekiel’s vision—continual reminder of accomplished redemption. Points of Connection • Perfection: “without blemish” matches Jesus’ sinlessness. • Timing: New-Moon worship anticipates regular, cyclical remembrance; the Lord’s Supper likewise recurs until He returns. • Scope: Multiple animals → one Messiah; diversity of types → singular fulfillment. • Future literal temple: Ezekiel’s sacrifices are prophetic memorials in a restored Israel; Revelation 20:4-6 allows for millennial worship while Hebrews 10 stresses their non-atoning nature in light of Calvary. No contradiction—distinct purposes. Living Sacrifices Today (Romans 12:1-2) • Because Christ fulfilled every blemish-free requirement, believers now present bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • Worship moves from altar to everyday obedience, yet remains anchored in the once-for-all work foreshadowed by Ezekiel 46:6. Summary: Ezekiel’s New-Moon sacrifices point forward to Christ’s flawless, comprehensive offering and inform the church’s continual remembrance and transformed living under the New Covenant. |
    |