Topical Bible: Offerings: Free Will: Must be Perfect (Whole, Complete)

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In the biblical context, offerings hold a significant place in the worship and devotion of God's people. Among the various types of offerings described in the Scriptures, free will offerings are unique in that they are given voluntarily, out of the worshiper's own desire to honor and thank God, rather than as a requirement of the law. These offerings are a profound expression of love, gratitude, and devotion to the Lord.

The concept of free will offerings being perfect, whole, and complete is rooted in the biblical mandate that offerings presented to God must be without blemish. This requirement underscores the holiness and perfection of God, who deserves the best from His people. In Leviticus 22:21, the Lord commands, "When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or flock, it must be without blemish to be acceptable; there must be no defect in it."

The requirement for offerings to be perfect is not merely a ritualistic demand but a reflection of the worshiper's heart and attitude towards God. Offering something whole and complete signifies the giver's reverence and acknowledgment of God's supreme worthiness. It is an act of worship that mirrors the integrity and sincerity of the worshiper's faith.

In Deuteronomy 15:21, the principle is reiterated: "But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God." This instruction emphasizes that God is not honored by offerings that are less than perfect, as they do not reflect the true devotion and respect He deserves.

The New Testament also echoes this principle, though in a more spiritual sense. Romans 12:1 urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is their spiritual act of worship. This call to holiness and completeness in offering oneself to God aligns with the Old Testament requirement for offerings to be without blemish.

In summary, the biblical mandate for free will offerings to be perfect, whole, and complete is a profound reminder of the nature of true worship. It calls believers to offer their best to God, reflecting His holiness and their sincere devotion. This principle challenges worshipers to examine their hearts and ensure that their offerings, whether material or spiritual, are worthy of the God they serve.

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Leviticus 22:17-25
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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Library

Translator's Introduction.
... of life as a mere series of acts or offerings of love ... We will not stay to give examples
of his more ... on such natural humours we have grafted free and voluntary ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/translators introduction.htm

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
... that Moses was its author, we must acknowledge that ... and offered the daily
burnt-offerings by number ... every one that willingly offered a free-will offering unto ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter ix authorship of the.htm

Psalm LIII. (LIV. ).
... derives from the eternal Father, it must be clearly ... which consisted of whole
burnt-offerings and oblations ... not involve an expression of free will, because the ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm liii liv.htm

The Coin in the Fish's Mouth
... shall bow and move to guide wise men from afar with offerings to His ... take and give'
and all the debt will be discharged, and you will be set free and made a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the coin in the fishs.htm

With the Entry of Angela's Great Picture "The Coming of Christ" ...
... These floral offerings meant much sacrifice on the part of those ... party to a
fraud,"but this does not free you from ... time of trial is hard, but it will soon be ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxviii with the entry of.htm

A Word from the Beloved's Own Mouth. "And Ye are Clean. " --John ...
... to banishment from God, and defiles all their offerings. ... You will find the song of
substitution a choice ... the Redeemer Himself speak, that you are free from all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/a word from the beloveds.htm

The Second Oration on Easter.
... this season, smaller or greater...such spiritual offerings as are ... could not satisfy
Goodness, but Good must be poured ... him with the gift of free will, in order ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlv the second oration.htm

Book I.
... of as righteous in a general sense, yet by no means free from sins ... I will not curse
the ground....for the mind of man is set on ... Offerings for sins of ignorance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

The Stage as it was Once.
... and often mightier crimes; their inward free-will battling, as ... which is still, and
perhaps ever will be, one of ... of no victim"the only offerings being fruits ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture ii the stage as.htm

Continuation: with Texts from Scripture.
... went out of Egypt, to offer burnt-offerings and sacrifices ... For God is the same to
free and bond, if ... have been trained up in excellent discipline, will teach you ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xii continuation with texts from.htm