Topical Bible: Offerings: Required to Be: Offered in Righteous

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, offerings are acts of worship and devotion to God, and they are required to be presented in righteousness. This principle is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of the heart and intent behind the offering, rather than merely the act itself.

Biblical Foundation

The requirement for offerings to be made in righteousness is established in the Old Testament. In the book of Genesis, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates the significance of the heart's condition when making an offering. Abel's offering was accepted by God because it was given in faith and righteousness, while Cain's was rejected due to his unrighteous heart (Genesis 4:3-7).

The prophet Malachi further underscores this principle, admonishing the Israelites for their insincere offerings. Malachi 1:10 states, "Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on My altar! I am not pleased with you,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will accept no offering from your hands." This passage highlights that God desires offerings made with genuine devotion and righteousness.

Righteousness in Offerings

Righteousness in offerings is not merely about the external act but involves a heart aligned with God's will. Psalm 51:16-17 reflects this sentiment: "For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Here, the psalmist acknowledges that God values a contrite heart over ritualistic offerings.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks to this, condemning empty rituals devoid of righteousness. Isaiah 1:11-17 records God's displeasure with offerings made without justice and righteousness, urging the people to "learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates the importance of righteousness in offerings. In Matthew 5:23-24 , He instructs, "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." This teaching emphasizes reconciliation and righteousness as prerequisites for acceptable offerings.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the heart's condition in giving, encouraging believers to give cheerfully and not under compulsion, as God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). This reflects the principle that offerings should be made willingly and righteously.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the requirement for offerings to be made in righteousness is clear. God desires offerings that reflect a heart aligned with His will, characterized by faith, sincerity, and justice. The biblical narrative consistently teaches that the value of an offering is not in its material worth but in the righteousness and devotion of the one who offers it.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 3:3
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD an offering in righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Law.
... and those that succeeded, without being required, but only ... permitting them; and if
they offered from a ... Offer burnt-offerings therefore continually, that thou ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv of the law.htm

Scriptural Types.
... It was required by the law that all the ... blemish and without spot," who was offered
on Calvary ... Of the unbloody offerings [oblations, called in our version meat ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
... also that the man might bring the offerings required by the ... am not come to call the
righteous but sinners ... and the freedom of spiritual maturity offered to the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second period chs.htm

How Solomon Removed the Ark into the Temple How He Made ...
... ground moist with sacrifices, and drink-offerings, and the ... according to his prediction,
he required them to ... the many sacrifices that had been offered, and of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how solomon removed.htm

Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ...
... God, as Moses recommends, by offerings and sacrifices ... he finds fault with sacrifice
itself, as offered by the ... condemned to suffer the punishment required by the ...
/.../faustus fails to understand why.htm

Results of Transgression
... was required, but the Lord accepted only freewill offerings. ... that the God of perfection
required of the ... In the wonderful prayer that Christ offered just before ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

The Voice of the Blood of Christ
... the offerings Abel presented, and the offerings Jesus Christ ... another place is""By
faith Abel offered unto God ... one man only"upon Cain; it required the death ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the voice of the blood.htm

What a Sacrifice Is, and what are the Species of Sacrifice.
... and in every place incense shall be offered unto My ... ie, that the Gentiles might be
offerings acceptable to ... A libation is required, ie, the effect of preaching ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 30 what a sacrifice.htm

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ...
... certainly drew his curse on all who offered them. ... love judgment; I hate robbery for
burnt offerings; and I ... instruct Balak, or remind him of what God required. ...
/.../sermon xviii balaks inquiries relative.htm

Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries.
... necessary to add that faith is required, that they ... I spake not unto your fathers
concerning burnt offerings. ... or apprehend those things which are offered in the ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 7 reply to the.htm