In Leviticus 1–5, God outlines the various sacrifices that were instituted to take away sin, as well as various offerings for fellowship, or to honor God. Each sacrifice or offering needed to be prepared and presented in prescribed ways. Ultimately, these actions pointed to Jesus as the sacrifice that would atone for human sin as well as for a relationship with Almighty God. The sacrifices and offerings reminded ancient Israel that sin is serious to a holy and righteous God. We, too, must not forget the seriousness of sin.

As we recognize the serious nature of sin, and our need to get it out of our lives, gratitude for our salvation should flood our minds and hearts. We no longer need to sacrifice animals to cover our sin, nor do we need to take fellowship offerings to a temple. God our Father, secured our forgiveness by paying a very high price — the death of his only begotten Son, our Savior, Jesus. By sacrificing Jesus to atone for our sins, our holy and righteous God demonstrates that he is a loving, gracious and merciful Heavenly Father who wants to know us and be a part of our lives.

Just as Israel needed to conduct the sacrifices and offerings to maintain their relationship with God, we need confession, repentance, obedience and to love him with all our hearts to grow in relationship with him today. Yet, there is still more. The apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” We must give our whole selves to the God who has saved us through his Son. After all, Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20a, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”

We must trust Jesus’ sacrifice alone for salvation, and offer ourselves as living sacrifices for him.

David W. Davis, Carmel, Maine