Sacrifices

In the biblical context, sacrifices are offerings made to God as an act of worship, atonement, or thanksgiving. The practice of sacrifice is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and is a central element of the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Old Testament Sacrifices

The system of sacrifices was formally instituted in the Mosaic Law, where various types of offerings were prescribed. These included burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings (Leviticus 1-7). Each type of sacrifice had specific regulations and purposes:

· Burnt Offerings: These were wholly consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God. "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD" (Leviticus 1:9).

· Grain Offerings: These were offerings of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, representing the fruit of human labor and thanksgiving to God. "The priest shall burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all the frankincense, as an offering made by fire to the LORD" (Leviticus 2:16).

· Peace Offerings: These were shared meals that symbolized fellowship with God. Part of the offering was burned, part was given to the priests, and the rest was consumed by the offerer and their family.

· Sin Offerings: These were made to atone for unintentional sins and to cleanse the sanctuary from impurity. "In this way the priest will make atonement for him concerning the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven" (Leviticus 4:35).

· Guilt Offerings: These were similar to sin offerings but were specifically for sins requiring restitution. "He must bring his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram from the flock, according to your valuation, as a guilt offering to the priest" (Leviticus 5:15).

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the sacrificial system is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is described as the ultimate sacrifice, whose death on the cross atones for the sins of humanity once and for all. "But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12). The sacrificial death of Christ renders the Old Testament sacrifices obsolete, as He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

Incense

Incense in the Bible is often associated with prayer, worship, and the presence of God. It was a significant element in the tabernacle and temple rituals.

Old Testament Use

Incense was used in the tabernacle and later in the temple as a symbol of the prayers of the people ascending to God. The altar of incense was placed before the veil in the Holy Place, and Aaron was instructed to burn incense on it every morning and evening. "Aaron must burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps" (Exodus 30:7).

The composition of the incense was specific and sacred, and it was not to be used for any other purpose. "Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy" (Exodus 30:34-35).

Symbolism and New Testament Understanding

In the New Testament, incense continues to symbolize prayer and worship. In the book of Revelation, the prayers of the saints are depicted as incense before God. "And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel" (Revelation 8:4).

The use of incense in worship underscores the importance of prayer and the believer's direct access to God through Jesus Christ, who intercedes on behalf of His people.