rneely

What do you think God intended animal sacrifice teach us about sin? That He is serious about sin and the fact that sin must be atoned for. H eintended to show us that any shedding of blood is a serious matter to him because life is taken. How humbling that should be for us. That, back then, life was taken to atone for human beings' sin....the life of lowly animals..for us?..Then, the life of the awesome Son of God was taken for us - lowly humans, in comparison to the Son of God?! About holiness? That He cannot and will not tolerate even the 'smallest' of sins. He is totally holy and expects us to be the same and when we fall short He has made the provision necessary for us to be forgiven and cleansed. About God's nature? That He is loving, and serious! Merciful but never compromising His holy nature.

In what sense is God's provision of animal sacrifice for forgiveness of sins an expression of his mercy? God used the sacrificial system of sacrificing various animals to teach the Jews lessons of sin, holiness, confession, forgiveness, sin's costliness, and sin's horror. God, in his mercy, allowed these sacrifices to purge their sins. Were animal sacrifices actually adequate to atone for human sin? No - they were not adequate. It was not possible that the blood of bulls and goats, nor the blood of any other animal, take away our sins.

Basic Elements of Sacrifice for Sin Confession of the sin Bringing an animal without defect Laying hands on the animal's head Slaying the animal Collecting the blood Removing the fat portions/burning them on the altar Meat eaten by the priests Which are still necessary? Confession of sin Which are no longer necessary? Bringing an animal without defect: Jesus was the sacrifice - for once and for all Laying hands on the animal's head Slaying the animal: Jesus was slain...the Lamb of God Collecting the blood: Jesus collected His own blood and applied it to the Mercy Seat in Heaven Removing the fat and burning them on the altar: Jesus - He is the sweet smelling savour offered up to God Meat eaten by the priests

Q3. Why is animal sacrifice repulsive to modern people? How much of this has to do with a city vs. a farming way of life? Because we typically don't go through the process of killing/butchering animals. We don't have to deal with the 'blood and guts' of the matter. We see the end product....either in the market or presented beautifully rare, medium or well-done, amidst a variety of steamed veggies and some type of starch. We are insulated from all of that. It has everything to do with the different ways of life of those who live in the city and those who have a farming way of life. Animal farmers see this 'everyday' and know all that's involved in preparing the animals for human consumption. I guess we city-dwellers may tend to take this all too lightly.

Q2. Why is anger an appropriate response to sin? What is the difference between capricious or uncontrolled anger and anger that brings about justice? Anger is an appropriate response to sin because sin is serious business. It offends God and causes separation from Him. He gave the ultimate sacrifice - Jesus, His Beloved Son because of His great love - and sin tells God "I really don't think that it's all that serious...so lighten up". That's cause for anger. Although we don't really say it...actions - sin - says it for us. Anger at sin is just and is in line with God's will. However, anger is not to be unrighteous anger. Jesus displayed righteous anger on occasion because people were taking advantage of others and profaning the things of God...making light of God's holiness. Anger at sin causes us to pray - to act - but to act the way God would have us to - by praying - by confronting in love...if we were passive God's people wouldn't pray and needless to say, many, many souls would be lost due to our passivity in the spirit. Capricious anger is a fleshly, carnal response...the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. We are to walk after the spirit so we won't fulfill the desires of our flesh......anger that brings about justice is controlled and submitted to the Holy Spirit Who can then direct and guide our responses so that the ultimate good can come from it.

I apologize for being so late with this post.....but I look forward to catching up and to reading and pondering others' responses. Q1. How do you know that John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God refers to sacrifice? (John 1:29). How was the comprehensiveness of "sins of the world" so radical a concept? John had already received revelation from God about what Jesus would come to do - take away the sin of the world. He knew that he would be giving his life for all. He wouldn't have been able to say this without hearing from the Lord...that's why John preached with such passion that the people repent so their hears would be prepared for the Lamb. So - when he saw Jesus he was confirming aloud what he already knew. It also seems that anytime an animal was mentioned in relationship to God meant that there was a sacrifice involved. The comprehensiveness of 'sins of the world' is so radical because our sins are great. The ultimate sin is rebellion against God....that's where all sin started.....so it lets us know that the Lamb who God would give would eradicate the very nature of sin - for once - for all.