Topical Bible: Offerings: Many Offenses Under the Law, Beyond the Efficacy of

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In the Old Testament, the system of offerings and sacrifices was central to the religious life of Israel. These offerings were instituted by God as a means for His people to atone for their sins, express gratitude, and maintain fellowship with Him. However, the Law also reveals the limitations of these offerings in addressing the full scope of human sinfulness.

The Purpose of Offerings

The offerings under the Mosaic Law served various purposes, including atonement, thanksgiving, and consecration. Key offerings included the burnt offering, grain offering, peace offering, sin offering, and guilt offering (Leviticus 1-7). Each had specific regulations and symbolic meanings, reflecting different aspects of the relationship between God and His people.

Limitations of the Offerings

Despite their divine institution, the offerings were inherently limited in their efficacy. Hebrews 10:1-4 states, "The law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins."

The offerings were a temporary measure, pointing to a greater need for a perfect and final atonement. They could not fully cleanse the conscience or provide a permanent solution to the problem of sin.

The Many Offenses Under the Law

The Law of Moses detailed numerous offenses that required offerings for atonement. These ranged from unintentional sins (Leviticus 4:2) to specific transgressions such as theft or deceit (Leviticus 6:1-7). The sheer number of offenses and the repeated need for offerings underscored the pervasive nature of sin and the insufficiency of the sacrificial system to address it fully.

Beyond the Efficacy of Offerings

The prophetic writings anticipated a new covenant and a more effective means of dealing with sin. Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of a time when God would write His law on the hearts of His people and forgive their iniquity. This promise pointed to the coming of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice would fulfill and surpass the offerings of the Old Covenant.

In the New Testament, Jesus is presented as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 9:11-14 declares, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"

Thus, while the offerings under the Law served a significant role in the religious life of Israel, they ultimately pointed to the need for a more profound and lasting solution to sin, fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 3:14
And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 51:16
For you desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... are humbled with just sorrow for their offenses, and pray ... on his shoulders, and as
many precious stones ... were ratified: "Remember all thy offerings," says David ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... From such a disposition and conduct as this, offenses. ... 23:4,) for whose redemption
votive offerings may be ... digested in his Alcoran, he persuaded many people to ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm