The Levitical sacrificial system had five separate and distinct offerings that could be made to the Lord. These are the five major offerings that are introduced in the first five chapters of Leviticus. Each of these offerings provide a practical application for a godly walk and a beautiful picture of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The burnt offering was a complete sacrifice. In all the other offerings, others (usually only the priests) were allowed to eat certain portions of the offered animal. However, in the burnt offering, nothing was to be eaten by man. It was all to be consumed on the altar as a gift to God. We need to look at our sacrifice to God in the same way. We need to give ourselves entirely to Him.
This sermon is a continuation of the study of the book of Leviticus. It is not enough that the offering is brought; it must be acceptable to God. God must receive it.
The Levitical sacrificial system had five separate and distinct offerings that could be made to the Lord. They mark a progression of closeness with the first offering mentioned being the closest to God and the last one being the first step in approaching God. This seemingly backwards approach is not unusual in the Bible. God usually begins from His perspective, not ours. He describes the furniture of the most holy place first and then proceeds to the holy place and the courtyard. He creates heaven and then earth (Genesis 1:1). Notice the following table with the offerings given in reverse order and their symbology explained.Table:>
