Counsel #4 — The Altar Of Burnt Offering

Picture: Counsel #4 — The Altar Of Burnt OfferingCCW 49.1

At the start of His ministry, Jesus went to John the Baptist to be baptized. When John saw Him, he exclaimed, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). People brought a sacrificial lamb to the altar of burnt offering to deal with their sins. This act symbolized transferring their sins to the lamb. Instead of the person facing the consequences for sin, the lamb did. They ended the lamb's life, shedding its blood to atone for their sins.^{[65]Leviticus 1:3, 4} This was unfair to the innocent lambs who symbolically represented Jesus. However, Jesus willingly chose to bear our sins and sacrifice His life for us, so we can have eternal life. Just as a parent would endure anything to save their child, Jesus, our Creator, loved us too much to let us perish.^{[66]https://www.adventistworld.org/a-ritual-act-of-worship/}CCW 49.2

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’” Leviticus 17:11 NKJVCCW 49.3

“In the court stood the brazen altar of burnt offering. On this altar were consumed all the sacrifices made by fire unto the Lord, and its horns were sprinkled with the atoning blood.” Ellen White in From Eternity Past, p. 240.3CCW 49.4

Reflect: What does Jesus’ sacrifice to save people (who may not initially care) say about human value and who He is?CCW 49.5