Christian Communion

Ordinances in Old Testament Times

What was connected with the worship of God before the First Advent?BR-ASI9 422.1

“Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.” Hebrews 9:1.BR-ASI9 422.2

Note.—Paul says that these ordinances consisted “in meats and drinks, and divers washings,” imposed “until the time of reformation,” and that they were “a shadow of good things to come.” Hebrews 9:10; 10:1.BR-ASI9 422.3

To whom did the sacrificial offerings point forward?BR-ASI9 422.4

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2.BR-ASI9 422.5

Note.—Through the provisions of the sacrificial law, the repentant sinner showed his faith in the coming Redeemer, who was to shed His blood for the sins of mankind. These sacrificial offerings were ordinances which pointed forward to the work of Christ, which they typified. Since the crucifixion, the ordinances of the Christian church point backward, and are designed to show faith in the work of Christ already accomplished.BR-ASI9 422.6