Why are these five offerings are relevant to the Church today. In the New Covenant as Priests we offer "spiritual sacrifices" (the reality / fulfillment 1Peter.2:5) of these five offerings in our everyday living as we journeyed from Egypt (being in sin Eph.2:1-19) to ultimate purpose, Solomon's Temple. (Gen.12:1; 15:1-21, [v.13], Exod.1-12] Deut.12:1-12, 1Chron.17:1-15; 22:1-22) This foreshadows the everyday living of the Church, as we journey towards the ultimate purpose and "prize of the high calling," (Phil.3:14) which is The Bride of Christ. Jesus said, He did not come to destroy these five offerings but to fulfill (or complete) every "jot" and "title." (A "jot" is the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and a "title" is the an accent on certain letters. Matt.5:17-19, Gal.3:24, Rom.3:21,31; Rom.8:3-4) If you want to be like Jesus, (Rom.8:28-29, 2Cor.3:18, 1John.3:2) then you will do and say the same things as He does. (1Peter.2:21) This means that you will not want to destroy these offerings, but allow the fulfillment of them in your life as Jesus did. This is being built on The Rock Christ Jesus. (Matt.7:24-26) To reject these offerings and to say they are not relevant to the New Testament Church, is to build your house on the sand. (1Cor.3:10-11, Matt.16:18, Psa.11:3)
1. Only the Priesthood could offer these five offerings
This is Old Testament language from the Levitical priesthood given at Mt. Sinai, (Exod.25-40) where the family of Levi was set aside to minister unto the Lord, and no stranger could approach. (Num.1:47-54; 3:38) Here Peter is giving us a "key" to understanding our responsibility and accountability before the Lord. What the priesthood did under Aaron the high priest, is the Churches everyday job description, as we function in the true Tabernacle that the Lord pitched (Heb.8:1-5) and not man. (1Peter.2:5, Heb.3:1)
a. The Church is the reality of the Priesthood
The Church, the believer, those that are born again of the Spirit of God are the priesthood. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (1Peter.2:5-9, Rev.1:6; 5:10)
b. Jesus is our High Priest(Heb.3:1)
Wherefore, "holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." (Heb 3:1-2)
2. The only way to become a priests is to be born into the family
The "stranger's"6 (foreigner's, aliens, those not born into the family) were rejected during the time of Nehemiah from being part of the priesthood, because "their register...by genealogy...was not found" (Neh.7:63-65) They would have "polluted" the priesthood.
a. This pattern continues in the New Covenant
Under the New Testament we become a "priest" when we are "born again" into the "family," (John.3:1-8, Eph.3:15) the "household of God." (Eph.2:19) Those that are not"born again" are called "strangers" (Eph.2:11-19) and are rejected, because they would pollute "the things of God." (1Cor.2:10-14) (1) Strangers - These are the "tares"(the children of the wicked one Matt.13:38) amongst the wheat. These are those "which say they are Jews, (Rom.2:28-29, Gal.6:15-16) and are not." (Rev.2:9) (2) Born again - You must be "born again," because we are all strangers. We were all born in sin (children of the wicked one) and walk according to the "desires of the flesh and of the mind." (Eph.2:1-19)
b. Don't think of "priests" as in the Catholic or Episcopal Churches
The priesthood (1Peter.2:5-9, Rev.1:6; 5:10) was taken away from the people (the saints (1Cor.1:2; 6:1; 16:1, 2Cor.1:1, Eph.1:1) as the Church spiritually declined. Man then decided who should be priests.
(1) Church History (Encyclopedia Britannica) - From "the 2nd century on, however, the sacerdotal hierarchy developed along the lines of the Hebrew priesthood, the title episcopus , obishop, becoming reserved for those who presided over the presbyterate, then called sacerdotes because they shared in the episcopal sacerdotium (“priesthood”), which included the offering of the Eucharistic sacrifice of bread and wine. But the conferring of holy orders (ordination of presbyters) and administering the sacrament of confirmation, together with administration of the diocese (jurisdictional area), were confined to the episcopate. In due course the threefold ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons (administrative and liturgical assistants in a parish) became organized on a diocesan basis." (Review: PHASE 2, Pages.5 and 6)
(2) This remained the norm until the Reformation - In "the 16th century, when it was repudiated by the continental Reformers (e.g., Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli). In Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, Swedish Lutheranism, and Eastern Orthodoxy, apostolic succession and jurisdiction has been maintained, especially in the Roman Catholic papacy and in Eastern Orthodox patriarchates. Originally the terms presbyteros (“ elder”) and episkopos (“overseer”), current in the New Testament and the early church, were probably identical." [Encyclopedia Britannica]
3. Only the priests could offer sacrifice
In the Old Testament "ensample"(type, shadow, figure) "the priests, Aaron's sons shall bring the blood and
sprinkle the blood..." (Lev.1:5, 7, 11; 2:2, 9; 3:2, 8; 4:7) There were those the assume the office of a priest, and were rejected. (1Kings.12:30-33; 13:16, 2Chron.26:16-23, 1Sam.13:12; 15:1-35)No "strangers!" No unbeliever! No unsaved! God still requires that we be found in the correct "register" and "genealogy." (Num.1:47-54, Eph.2:11-19) This begins in Christ Jesus. (John.3:1-8, 2Cor.5:17-21) Born into the "household" (Gal.6:10) / "family" (Eph.3:15) a. How can the stranger meet with God when cannot offer sacrifice?
The answer is simple. They must become "born again"(John.3:3-9) into the family (Eph.3:15) of the priesthood. (1Peter.2:5) Through Adam's disobedience "death (Sin) has passed upon all men," (Rom.5:12-21) making all men "dead (spiritually) in trespasses and sins." This requires that man be "born again" into the family of God. To be become a "new creature (creation) in Christ" (2Cor.5:17) Not turn over a new leaf, or reinvent yourself)
b. There were those that assumed the office of a priest, and were rejected.
Only "thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel: But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle." (Num 1:49-51) (
1) Saul. (1Sam.13:13; 15:1-35) (2) Uzza. (1Chron.13:9-14) (3) Jeroboam. (1King.12:25-33; 13:1-6) 4) Uzziah. (2Chron.26:16-23) 4. What does the word "sacrifice" mean? Most think of "sacrifice" as giving up something, or to go without. Sacrifice, in the context of God's Word means, the death of something to be totally consumed, completely gone. Out of your control. Think about it! What are we giving up? We have nothing to offer? What are we sacrificing? We are not earning our way back to God by giving up our plans, lifestyle, goals! (Rom.7:18, Isa.64:6)
a. The Hebrew word The Hebrew word for "sacrifice" means a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act) It has been translated into English as offer, or to offer sacrifice. Strong's Heb. Dictionary
b. The Greek word The Greek word for "sacrifice" means to sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively) Strong's Greek Dictionary
. 5. What does the word "offering" mean? Many think of taking an offering is passing the collect plate (box, bag, container) at Sunday morning Church. An "offering" is much more than putting money in a collection plate or giving to some Radio, or T.V. Evangelist, or some Church building project, or program. It is not just a traditional "thing" we do when we go to Church. Offering "spiritual sacrifices" (1Peter.2:5) is a vital function of the Priesthood of the believers as we minister to the Lord (Num.1:47-54) in the "true" Tabernacle that the Lord pitched and not man." (Heb.8:1-5; 9:1-26) a. Each Offering could only be offered upon the Brazen Altar. This is "a shadow of good things to come,"(Heb.10:1, Matt.5:17-19) which is the Lord Jesus Christ. Any offering rejecting Christ is rejected. (John.10:1-10; 14:6, 1Tim.2:5, Lev.17:8-11, Heb.13:10) The pattern has NOT changed! b. Each Offering is to be totally consumed by fire. (Lev.1:7; 17:1-9, 1Cor.3:13, Heb.12:29, Matt.3:11) Our offering is to be tested and tried by the fire of God's Word to reveal "what sort (kind - the intents of the heart) is." (1Cor.3:13, Psa.105:19, Heb.4:12-13) Once on the Altar the offering belonged to God and out of your control. You cannot take it back! Note: Eccl.5:1-5, Deut.23:23, Matt.21:28-32, Matt.12:36) c. The Offering must not be "blind" (Lev.22:21-23) The blemish of "blindness" (2Peter.1:5-9, Matt.13:10-17, Eph.1:18) Some translations use "heart" instead of eyes." This does not change the thought of our lack of understanding is being blind. (Matt.13:16, Luke.24:16, 25-31, 2Cor.3:13-16, Eph.4:18) To offer a "spiritual sacrifice" (i.e. The Sin, Trespass, Burnt, Meal or Peace Offering) devoid of the Word of God is a blemish of blindness, and is robbing God.(Mal.1:8; 3:8) Note: Matt.23:23 d. The Offering must not be "broken"(Lev.22:22-23) Unfaithfulness. (Prov.25:19) To offer any of these five offerings with unfaithfulness in our life towards God is a blemished offering (Eph.5:26-27) and is robbing God.(Mal.1:8; 3:8) Note: Matt.23:23 e. The Offering must not be "maimed" (Lev.22:22-23) Maimed is to be crippled or damaged. English: is to mutilate, disfigure, or wound seriously. The Hebrew word is to point sharply, i.e. (literally) to wound. To offer any crippled offering is to deprive yourself the of capability for service or of strength, efficiency, or wholeness. f. The Offering must not be "having a wen"(Lev.22:22-23) Having an offering that is mutilated, disfigured, or wounded seriously is robbing God. (Mal.1:8; 3:8 / Note: Matt.23:23) Paul spoke of those the "corrupt the Word of God. (2Cor.2:17) Jude wrote, that there were "certain men crept in unawares...turning the grace of God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and or Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude.1:4) These "certain men" were disfiguring the Grace of God. g. Each Offering must not have "scurvy"(Lev.22:22-23) The word "Scurvy" is from an unused root meaning to scratch;[ to scrape or rub oneself lightly (as to relieve itching11) scurf (from itching12) In these "last days," there are those that "heap to themselves teachers itching ears," because they will not "endure sound doctrine." (2Tim.4:3) When we offer our "spiritual" sacrifices with the "scurvy" of the doctrines of men that appease our flesh, it is "robbing" God. (Mal.1:8; 3:8) h. Each Offering must not be "scabbed" (Lev.22:22-23) "Scabbed"- is to stick or scrape; scurf [thin dry scales detached from the epidermis especially in an abnormal skin condition; specifically : dandruff13] or tetter [any of various vesicular skin diseases (as ringworm,14 eczema,15 and herpes16) Our "spiritual sacrifice / offering" must be without the blemish of allowing yourself to be infected by the popular opinion, trends, fads that infect the Church world, rather than abiding by the principles and patterns of God's Word. (2Sam.15:24-29./v.17, 1Sam.15:24; 16:7, 2Cor.4:18) To offer a "spiritually sacrifice" that is "scabbed," is a blemished offering and robbing God. (Mal.1:8; 3:8) i. No "superfluous thing"(Lev.22:22-23) "Superfluous"- is to prolong, i.e. (reflex) be deformed by excess of members. Our "spiritual offering must be free of "excess" in our lives. In our walk before the Lord must be in moderation (Phil.4:5 - [appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild] 1Cor.13:4, Matt.23:12, 1Peter.5:6) or else it is blemished and robbing God. (Mal.1:8; 3:8) j. Each Offering must give off a "sweet smelling savor." (Lev.1:9; 2:2; 3:5, 16; 4:31, Our offering must have the sweet smelling savor of Christ. (Eph.5:1-2, Phil.4:18, 2Cor.2:14-16) k. Every Offering must be offered by a "Priest." (Num.1:47-54, Lev.1:9, 15; 2:2; 3:2, 16. We become priests when we are born again. (1Peter.2:5, Rev.1:6) l. Each Offering must have the atoning blood sacrifice (Lev.1:5; 3:2; 4:4, Col.1:14) The "meal offering" was the only offering that did not have atoning blood, because this offering points to our good works (Eph.2:8-10) and giving of material things. (Review the "Meal Offering.") ___________________________________________________________________ Offering "spiritual sacrifices" in the context of God's Word is a vital part of our behavior in the House of God. (1Tim.3:15-16, Eccl.5:1-5) It is not just "throwing a few bucks in the offering plate," to be seen of men. (Matt.6:1) It is a vital part of our walk before the Lord. (Eph.4:1) 6. What is the "altar" in the New Testament Church Today, most think of "the altar" as being a bench in the front of the Church. However, the "Most High dwelleth not in Temples made with hands."(Acts.7:47-48) There is no sacred property in the New Testament. We are the "holy Temple." (Eph.2:20-22, 1Peter.2:5) We are the ground.(2Cor.4:7) The "altar" that God recognizes under the New Covenant (Testament) is the Lord Jesus Christ. (Heb.13:10) The altar was the only place of sacrifice. (Lev.17:1-11, 1Peter.1:18-20) The altar was the only place where blood was shed to provide atonement. (Lev.17:1-11, Exod.30:9, John.14:6, 1Tim.2:5) Man-made "altar's" could never do this! Even in the Tabernacle model, God said that He had "no pleasure" because it could never take away sin. (Heb.10:1-10) 7. The "priesthood" offered five offerings (sacrifices / oblations) a. The Sin Offering. (Lev.4:1-35) b. The Trespass Offering. (Lev.6:1-7) c. The Burnt Offering. (Lev.1:1-9) d. The Meal (Meat / Food / Grain) Offering. (Lev.2:1-3) e. The Peace Offering. (Lev.3:1-17) Note: There were the Heave, Wave and drink Offerings that was offered in conjunction with the five primary offerings. (Lev.7:30-32; 8:27; 23:13) (Continued on Page.2)
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