In the Old Testament, the peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, was a significant aspect of the sacrificial system instituted by God for the Israelites. It symbolized reconciliation and fellowship between God and man, as well as among individuals. The peace offering is detailed in Leviticus 3 and Leviticus 7:11-21, where it is described as a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and communal celebration. The offering could be from the herd or flock, and it was to be without blemish, signifying purity and acceptance before God.

The peace offering foreshadows the ultimate peace offering made by Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Christ is depicted as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, including the peace offering. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus established a new covenant of peace between God and humanity. Ephesians 2:14-16 states, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility."

Christ's role as our peace offering is further emphasized in Colossians 1:19-20 : "For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross." Here, the apostle Paul highlights that through the sacrificial death of Jesus, peace is made possible, reconciling all creation to God.

The peace offering in the Old Testament involved a shared meal, symbolizing fellowship and communion. Similarly, through Christ's sacrifice, believers are invited into a restored relationship with God, characterized by peace and communion. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Moreover, the peace offering was a communal event, often shared with family and the community, reflecting unity and harmony. In the same way, Christ's peace extends to the community of believers, uniting them as one body. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

In summary, Christ as our peace offering fulfills the Old Testament typology by providing the ultimate means of reconciliation and peace with God. His sacrifice on the cross serves as the foundation for restored relationships, both vertically with God and horizontally within the community of believers. Through Christ, the peace offering is not merely a ritual but a living reality, inviting all to partake in the peace and fellowship He provides.