What significance does offering "peace offerings" hold in our relationship with God today? The Old Testament Pattern: What Was a Peace Offering? • Leviticus 3:1: “If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he shall present it without blemish before the LORD.” • Also called a “fellowship” or “communion” offering (Leviticus 7:11-15). • Key features: – Voluntary, not compulsory. – Symbolized restored fellowship; portions were eaten in God’s presence. – Always followed a blood sacrifice, never replaced it (Leviticus 7:11-13). Fulfilled in Christ: The Lasting Peace Offering • Colossians 1:20: “Through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, making peace through the blood of His cross.” • Ephesians 2:14-16: “For He Himself is our peace … that He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross.” • Jesus is both the substitutionary sacrifice (sin offering) and the One who brings us into fellowship (peace offering). • Because His sacrifice is perfect and complete (Hebrews 10:12-14), no further animal peace offerings are needed. The Significance for Us Today 1. Enjoyed Fellowship • Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” • The peace offering looked forward to the table-fellowship we now enjoy: communion, prayer, constant access (Hebrews 10:19-22). 2. Shared Celebration • In the original rite, worshipers ate together; the blessing spilled over into community life. • Acts 2:46 shows believers “breaking bread from house to house,” reflecting the same spirit of shared joy. 3. Expression of Thanksgiving • Leviticus 7:12 links the peace offering with “thanksgiving.” • Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” • Gratitude is now voiced through worship, testimony, generosity. 4. Ongoing Consecration • Though Christ’s work is finished, Romans 12:1 urges us to present our bodies “as a living sacrifice.” • Each act of obedience is a modern echo of the Old Testament worshiper placing the best portion on the altar. Living the Reality • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper thoughtfully, recognizing it as the fulfilled peace meal. • Guard relationships within the church; Christ’s peace calls us to active reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 4:3). • Cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude—spoken praise, generous giving, compassionate service. • Rest in assurance: our standing with God is secure because the true Peace Offering has been made once for all. |
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