Topical Bible: The Burnt offering: Incapable of Removing Sin, and Reconciling to God

Bible > Topical > The Burnt offering

◄ The Burnt offering: Incapable of Removing Sin, and Reconciling to God ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, is one of the oldest and most significant offerings described in the Old Testament. It is detailed extensively in the book of Leviticus and was a central part of the sacrificial system instituted by God for the Israelites. The burnt offering was unique in that it was wholly consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God. Despite its importance, the burnt offering was ultimately incapable of removing sin or reconciling humanity to God, serving instead as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice to come.

Biblical Description and Purpose

The burnt offering is first mentioned in Genesis 8:20, where Noah offers burnt offerings to the Lord after the flood. The practice is further elaborated in Leviticus 1, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the Israelites: "If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance on his behalf before the LORD" (Leviticus 1:3). The offering was to be a male without defect, symbolizing purity and perfection.

The primary purpose of the burnt offering was to atone for sin and express devotion to God. However, it is crucial to understand that the offering itself did not remove sin. Hebrews 10:4 states, "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" . The sacrifices served as a temporary covering, pointing to the need for a more perfect sacrifice.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The burnt offering symbolized total dedication to God. The complete consumption of the animal by fire represented the worshiper's total surrender and commitment. The aroma of the offering was described as "a pleasing aroma to the LORD" (Leviticus 1:9), signifying God's acceptance of the worshiper's devotion.

Despite its symbolic significance, the burnt offering was insufficient for true reconciliation with God. The sacrificial system highlighted the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity, underscoring the need for a mediator. The repetitive nature of the sacrifices pointed to their inadequacy and the anticipation of a perfect sacrifice.

Foreshadowing the Ultimate Sacrifice

The limitations of the burnt offering and other sacrifices are addressed in the New Testament, where they are seen as a shadow of the good things to come. Hebrews 10:1 explains, "The law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves" . The sacrificial system was a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all.

Jesus is described as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the requirements of the law and provided the means for true reconciliation with God. Unlike the burnt offerings, which had to be repeated continually, Christ's sacrifice was once and for all, perfecting those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:14).

Conclusion

The burnt offering, while an essential part of the Old Testament sacrificial system, was ultimately incapable of removing sin or reconciling humanity to God. It served as a temporary measure, pointing to the need for a perfect and final sacrifice. Through Jesus Christ, the limitations of the burnt offering were overcome, providing a way for true reconciliation and forgiveness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 40:6
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire; my ears have you opened: burnt offering and sin offering have you not required.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 50:8
I will not reprove you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 10:6
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you have had no pleasure.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... spot to God' (Hebrews 9:14); which offering respects not ... But [say you] the actual
removing of our ... means be; if, notwithstanding his death and blood, sin in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... body of the Lord incorruptible and incapable of the ... head, Sicamber, reverence what
thou hast burnt, and burn ... God, as a holy and pleasing offering, these most ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Book of Sports shall be seized, and publicly burnt.' During the ... He had no idea that
the removing a mountain, or ... Distress, under conviction of sin, followed him ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm