Lorraine Wright

Q5. In what sense is God's provision of animal sacrifice for forgiveness of sins an expression of his mercy? Were animal sacrifices actually adequate to atone for human sin? It shows God's great love and mercy and allowed the sinner a means of receiving forgiveness. These sacrifices alone were inadequate to cleanse them of their sins. Jesus was the only one perfect enough to atone for our sins and he did that by his death on the cross.

Q4. What are the basic elements involved in a sacrifice for sin? (Leviticus 4:32-35; 5:5-6) Which of these are still necessary for forgiveness of sins today? Which are no longer necessary? Why? 1. Confession of the sin 2. Animal without defect for sacrifice 3. Laying on of hands of the sinner 4. Slaying of the animal by cutting its throat 5. Blood collected, put on the horns and poured out at the altar 6. Removal of fat portions Confession of our sins and asking for forgiveness is still needed for the blood of Christ (who was perfectP has already been shed for our sins.

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? When I was little I remember my parents having to raise and slaughter our own meat. Today we don't think much about it as everything is so conveniently laid out in nice packages at the supermarket. Butchering animals today is not part of most of our everyday routine so it seems rather repulsive to most. I am glad that today we don't need to sacrifice animals for the forgiveness of our sins. My life as a "city person" is totally different from a farming family. I have too many pets now - I don't think I could kill an animal, especially one that I have named.

Q2. Why is anger an appropriate response to sin? What is the difference between capricious or uncontrolled anger and anger that brings about justice? Sin is offensive and angers God as it should us as well. If we do not react to sin it means that we are accepting of the sin. We have a right to be angry if we are harmed or wronged - but we should not react in a relatiatory manner. "Hate the sin, not the sinner".

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? It was common in those days for lambs to be used for sacrice for the forgiveness of sins. I think the part about the sinner having to lay hands on the lamb before slaughter must have had a deeper impact on them - I know it would have for me. "sins of the world" - Jesus didnt' come to deal with just one person but for the sins of all the world.