Why Sacrifices Were Insufficient || New Phone, Who Dis? #6

Numbers Matter

Welcome back to “New Phone, Who Dis?”! We’re talking about the differences between the Old and New covenants and the sacrificial systems tied to them. In Part 5, we talked about the use of blood used in the atonement process. In the Old covenant, Aaron would have had to use goat’s blood for atonement. The goat represented purification, and the blood was used for purification – symbolizing the cleansing power of sacrificial blood. In the New covenant, we receive the final sacrifice. Jesus. Jesus fulfills the original sacrificial system and created an ultimate atonement that lasts for eternity.

In Part 6, we’re looking at the amount of sacrifices that were needed. The Old covenant required many different sacrifices to create a proper atonement system. The New covenant required one and final sacrifice for all of eternity. Let’s see how the simplification process will make things easier.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: When you look at the number of sacrifices and rituals that were required in the Mosaic Law, do you think you could manage that in society today? Why or why not?

The Insufficiency of Many Sacrifices

Let’s talk about the many sacrifices described in Hebrews 10:1-3:

AMP – 1 For since the Law has only a shadow [just a pale representation] of the good things to come – not the very image of those things, it can never, by offering the same sacrifices continually year after year, make perfect those who approach [its altars]. 2 For if it were otherwise, would not these sacrifices have stopped being offered? For the worshipers, have once [for all time] 3 But [as it is] these [continual] sacrifices bring a fresh reminder of sins [to be atoned for] year after year.

NRSVUE – 1 Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to comes and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, since the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sin? 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin year after year.

VOICE – 1 We have seen how the law is simply a shadow of the good things to come. Since it is not the perfect form of these ultimate realities, the offering year after year of these imperfect sacrifices cannot bring perfection to those who come forward to worship 2 If they had served this purpose, wouldn’t the repetition of these sacrifices have become unnecessary? If they had worked – and cleansed the worshipers – then one sacrifice would have taken away their consciousness of sin. 3 But these sacrifices actually remind us that we again year after year.

The authors of Hebrews is right. If it worked effectively, then only one sacrifice should have been needed. However, it didn’t become as effective as was hoped. The Israelites also became very apathetic about them, meaning it became more a routine than a sacred ritual.

The sacrifices under the Mosaic Law were repeated every year, showing us its inability to full atone for sin. Again, it asks the questions: “If these offerings were truly effective, would they have been needed to repeat?” For us, we can look at these annual rituals see how it leads to the sacrifice of Christ. Fulfilling the purification rituals in the Old Testament (see Leviticus 16) were temporary and symbolic. They could not remove the consciousness of sin. The removal of guilt is a transformation that could only be brought about through the atoning work of Christ.

The Old covenant sacrifices include things related to burnt offering, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, among others. These were foundational to the religious life of Israel, serving as a way for the people to atone for their sins and have a relationship with God. Overall, these sacrifices were insufficient for a complete atonement, for they had to be repeated every year. It happened on the Day of Atonement – a day where the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the peoples’ sin. The repetition of these reituals shows that they could not fully cleanse our consciousness or remove our sin permanently. Sin – any action, thought, or attitude that goes against God’s will – separates us from God. The Old Testament sacrifices shows that we need the purification and reconciliation with God.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: These sacrifices were not sufficient for complete reconciliation. If we had to go through these rituals to find reconciliation and atonement with God, would you find these effective? Why or why not?

Finding Purpose in

The Old Covenant sacrifices were unable to perfect the conscience of worshipers. These situations were creating the rituals that turned these sacred rituals into annual routines. They didn’t impact everyday life they were that they should have in the beginning. Like with most things we see, the more we experience something, the less impactful they become. It’s why new releases, new games, new movies, and all that are so hyped when they are introduced to the general public, and the fade to the shadows after a bit – when the hype dies down. These rituals were becoming less impactful. God saw that they were just doing these sacred rituals because they had to, and not because they need too.

When we face these situations, we can lose meaning in our life. Why do I have to go shower? Why do I have to eat? What do I have to go to work? These questions, and more, can drive us into deeper states of anxiety, depression, and a loss of identity. When we remember these things, and start to create situations where can find joy and value into lives, then we start to regain purpose. It’s the same way with our relationship with God. We may quit going to church, reading our Bibles, and praying because they have become just “daily rituals” instead of important aspects of a relationship. When we can create ways of doing this that make sense for us, and bring us joy, we can strengthen our relationship with God. It’s finding a community of believers that lead with love, mercy, and justices. It’s find a quiet place and environment where you can be connected with God through Scripture and prayer. It’s finding artists that we can vibe with to worship. There are different ways of accomplishing this, and because we are unique individuals – we will find one that works for us.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Think over your daily routines. Which are lacking value for you? How can do you change your routines to create more value for why you are doing it?

The Presence of the Final Sacrifice

Let’s look at the importance of the one sacrifice that was truly needed in Hebrews 9:28

AMP – so Christ, having been offered once and once for all to bear [as a burden] the sins of many, will appear a second time [when he returns to earth], not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those who are eagerly and confidently waiting for Him.

NRSVUE – so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eargerly waiting for him.

VOICE – so the Anointed One, our Liberating King, was offered once in death to bear the sins of many and will appear a second time, not to deal again with sin, but to rescue those who eagerly await His return.

There’s a finality and completeness of Jesus’s atonement. Jesus was the one to bear the iniquities of others, and share that there is salvation that all who believe in Jesus. The author of Hebrews believes that there will be a second coming, which be in glory and power. This will happen in the future, at a time where no one knows, and is meant to serve as a source of hope and encouragement. In this second coming, it will not to be about dealing with sin. The act of atoning for humanity’s sin, happened once and for all through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The return will not be for another sacrifice, but for salvation – our final deliverance from sin’s presence and the full realization of eternal life. While Christians experience spiritual salvation right now, Christ’s return will create an ultimate fulfillment – which is where we will receive glorified bodies and eternal inheritance. The ultimate fulfillment will be there for those who remain faithful and watchful of Him. This comes from an active engagement in God’s work and living a life that honors Him.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: The reality of Christ’s appearances were twofold: atonement and salvation. With this in mind, how do you view Christ’s atonement versus the atonement found in the Levitical sacrificial rituals? Were they similar or different?

Ultimate Atonement

The work that Christ did on the cross was the ultimate atonement for our sins. There’s nothing more, nothing less. Christ bore the weight and consequences of our sinful behavior and took it to the cross with Him. Christ did not sin Himself, which made Him the perfect sacrifice to use for the ultimate act of atonement. The death of Christ tore the temple curtain that separate the priests from the Holy of Holies. We are now able to go out and approach God, boldly and confidently, to seek reconciliation and restoration.

Christ’s sacrifice gave us our ability for an eternal life – to receive our eternal inheritance, and our glorified boundaries. This is nothing that we could do earn this. Our responsibility as of now is to respond with gratitude and obedience. We need to maintain an attitude of gratitude for God’s presence in our lives and how He leads us with love, grace, mercy, and justice. We need to also commit to understanding His will and His commands. To create a mindset of how we become like Christ, leading with compassion, forgiveness, and restoration. To prepare for what that second coming will be like. Now I will not be pushing the pressure to create a relationship with God before that time comes. We don’t know. No one knows. However, my last bit of encouragement is to go out and do what Christ calls. Go care for the needy, stand up for the marginalized, and love every person that you meet.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: What does this single sacrifice mean for you? How does the atonement and then eternal fulfillment process change your perspective on the sacrificial processes?