Topical Bible: The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice by the Wicked not Accepted

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of the lamb holds profound significance, symbolizing innocence, purity, and the ultimate sacrifice. The offering of a lamb in sacrifice is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, representing atonement and reconciliation with God. However, the Bible also addresses the notion that sacrifices offered by the wicked are not accepted by God, emphasizing the importance of the heart and righteousness of the offerer.

Biblical Context

The sacrificial system established in the Old Testament required the offering of unblemished animals, often lambs, as a means of atonement for sin. This system is detailed in the books of Leviticus and Numbers, where specific instructions are given for various offerings. The lamb, in particular, is highlighted during the Passover, where its blood was used as a sign of protection and deliverance (Exodus 12:3-13).

Rejection of Sacrifices by the Wicked

The prophets frequently addressed the issue of sacrifices offered by those whose hearts were not aligned with God's will. Isaiah 1:11-15 captures God's disdain for empty rituals: "What is your multitude of sacrifices to Me? says the LORD. I am full of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats... When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood."

Similarly, in Proverbs 15:8 , it is stated, "The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight." This verse underscores the principle that God values the righteousness and sincerity of the worshiper over the mere act of sacrifice.

The Heart of the Offerer

The rejection of sacrifices by the wicked is rooted in the condition of the heart. God desires obedience and a contrite spirit over ritualistic offerings. In 1 Samuel 15:22 , the prophet Samuel declares, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams."

The Psalms also reflect this sentiment, as seen in Psalm 51:16-17 : "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."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial lamb is found in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His sacrifice is the perfect and final atonement, rendering the old sacrificial system obsolete. The emphasis shifts from external rituals to internal transformation and faith in Christ.

Hebrews 10:4-10 explains, "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins... And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This passage highlights the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

Conclusion

The offering of a lamb in sacrifice by the wicked, therefore, is not accepted by God, as it lacks the essential elements of true worship: a humble heart and genuine repentance. The biblical narrative consistently points to the necessity of aligning one's heart with God's will, emphasizing that true sacrifice is not merely an external act but an expression of inner devotion and obedience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 1:11
To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to me? said the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 66:3
He that kills an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrifices a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offers an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burns incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Exalted
... "After he has offered one sacrifice for sins ... as to whether Christ should be exalted,
and that they carried it by acclamation, "Worthy is the Lamb that was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ exalted.htm

Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ...
... afford him, he should wander away again, when his name was written in the Lamb's
book of ... By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/knowing that a man is.htm

The Knowledge of Jesus Christ the Best Knowledge
... the Father, but through him;" "He is the Lamb slain from ... faith in a Mediator to come,
"Abel offered a more ... we are but spiritual idolater; we sacrifice to our ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the knowledge of jesus christ.htm

Letter vi. --For 334. Easter-Day, xii Pharmuthi, vii Id. April ...
... in Isaiah; He shall be led as a lamb to the ... 9. For the sacrifice was not properly
the setting to rights ... 4109] of Isaac, but of Abraham who also offered, and by ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter vi for 334 easter-day xii.htm

None but Jesus --Second Part
... The next day's sins needed a new lamb, and the ... "But this man, after he had offered
one sacrifice ... washing, no more blood, no more atonement, no more sacrifice. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/none but jesussecond part.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... that these pieces of the bullock, the lamb, the ram ... through the bloody sacrifice
which has been offered once for ... with God in the midst of the sacrifice of Christ ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Priest and victim
... the second place, I shall ask you carefully to look at THE SACRIFICE: "He offered
up himself." That is to say, Jesus Christ did not offer lamb or ram ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/priest and victim.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... of the Lamb to be slain, the latter, that of the Lamb already slain ... to the exclusion
of the world, because, after he had offered a sacrifice sufficient to ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... Some objections are offered to this view, the which it ... chaper: first, the marriage
supper of the Lamb (w.1 ... no more account than the smoke of a burnt sacrifice. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

Our Watchword
... of us all." When our iniquity was found upon the innocent Lamb of God ... apostle, "this
man (our great Melchisedec), after he had offered one sacrifice for sin ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/our watchword.htm