The Mosaic Law required animal sacrifices for a temporary atoning for man's sin ... Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:22)
An 'acceptable' offering had to cost the bearer something ... there was no pain in getting rid of a diseased lamb that was going to be culled from the flock anyway.
Bringing a disfigured or sick animal to the temple was in direct violation of the Lord's command ... And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the Lord thy God. (Deuteronomy 15:21)
But this Old Testament ordinance was never designed to be the 'end-all' for mankind's fallen state. It was given as a 'foreshadowing' of what would take place on Calvary's cross ... Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them, though they were offered in accordance with the law. (Hebrews 10:8)
Not only forgiveness of sin, but eternal salvation comes through ... the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:19)
Once you receive Jesus as Lord, there is a new application for the word, 'sacrifice' ... I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)
Today’s believer is often a blemished offering. Simply attending church, singing songs, listening to sermons, and giving a tithe is not what God desires. He wants you, not just your emblematic 'stuff' ... For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
But know this ... anything we offer in service to God while knowingly continuing in unconfessed sin is considered a 'lame' sacrifice. Repent and be made fit for use in His Kingdom.
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