A Voice In The Wilderness   Animal Sacrific Index  

Introduction

Genesis 4:

2: ...And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3: And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4: And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

Since Adam's day, generations of believers have sacrificed animals as an expression of faith and a means of reconciliation (Genesis 8:20-21, 12:7, 13:18). But, whose idea was it in the first place? Was it man's idea, or was it God's? Strange as it may seem, it was God's idea. The Almighty had diligently instructed man that he would not receive forgiveness or blessing if he did not approach Him with the blood of a sacrifice. So, down through the ages, many thousands of animals were sacrificed as a means of access to Yahweh's holy presence. Later, again by divine decree, animal sacrifices were included in the laws given to Israel through Moses: but with a difference:

• The blood of the sacrifices was to be brought to the Door of the Tabernacle (Exodus 29:11,32,42) and later to the Temple in Jerusalem.
• An Aaronic priest would consecrate the sacrifice and apply its blood to the altar and the repentant sinner.

Failure to meet these basic requirements would prove disastrous for the persons involved. So, in the course of time, millions of animals and birds were slain by Israel's priests and Levites as part of the worship installed by YAHWEH the Almighty God of Israel. It was a ghastly, bloody drama to say the least; and it went on year after year for many centuries.

To be sure, Yahweh commanded it; but what did it mean? Why did a God of love design such a bloody and costly route to His presence? What did the blood of an innocent animal have to do with obtaining mercy? What mysterious lessons did the Creator have in mind, which could not be taught in any other way? More importantly, are believers today expected to sacrifice animals before they can approach His holy throne?

These are questions that need answering, especially in Africa, where to this day many Christian groups sacrifice bulls, goats, rams and pigeons as part of their worship of the Most High. Are their sacrifices in line with biblical requirements? Is there something they know that the Christians in Europe, Canada, and the USA do not? Or, have their leaders misunderstood the role of the Aaronic Priesthood and the all-encompassing sacrifice of Jesus thus making unnecessary, yea unauthorized sacrifices which amount to a denial of the Christian faith? This booklet aims to answer these questions by briefly explaining the following:

1. The Old & New Covenants
2. The Sacrificial System
3. The Aaronic (Levitical) Priesthood
4. The Melchisedec Priesthood
5. Unauthorized Altars / Sacrifices
6. The Sacrifice of Christ
7. The Spiritual Sacrifices of Today

A Voice In The Wilderness   Animal Sacrific Index