Counsel #6 — The Sacrificial System Overview

Picture: Counsel #6 — The Sacrificial System OverviewCSL 158.1

The sacrificial system and the earthly and heavenly sanctuary services outlined in the books of Leviticus and Hebrews serve as a blueprint for overcoming sin. This detailed system wasn’t about appeasing God; it was a symbolic education plan portraying the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the ongoing process of cleansing from sin.CSL 158.2

The core purpose of the sanctuary service was to provide a way for repentant Israelites to reconcile with God. Through offerings and rituals, they symbolically transferred their sins onto the sacrificial animal, which was then slain. This act was to remind them of the future sacrifice of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, whose blood would provide forgiveness and cleansing of humanity’s sin.^{[211]John 1:29}CSL 158.3

By understanding the sacrificial system and the sanctuary service as a foreshadowing of Christ’s work, we gain a powerful perspective of what our salvation cost. Faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for us personally brings us into grateful relationship with Him. Hallelujah!^{[212]https://www.adventist.org/christs-ministry-in-the-heavenly-sanctuary/}CSL 158.4

“Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8 NKJVCSL 158.5

“We can overcome. Yes, fully entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with Him.” Ellen White in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 44CSL 158.6

Reflect: What specific areas of your life do you need to bring to the altar of sacrifice, seeking God’s cleansing and renewal?CSL 158.7