Introduction

Worship through sacrifice is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting humanity's relationship with God and the acknowledgment of His sovereignty. Sacrificial practices are woven throughout the Old and New Testaments, serving as acts of devotion, atonement, and thanksgiving. This entry explores the biblical understanding of sacrifice as a form of worship, its evolution, and its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Sacrifices

In the Old Testament, sacrifices were integral to the worship of Yahweh. The Book of Genesis introduces the concept with Abel's offering of the firstborn of his flock, which was pleasing to God (Genesis 4:4). The patriarchs, including Noah, Abraham, and Jacob, also built altars and offered sacrifices as acts of worship and covenantal commitment (Genesis 8:20; 12:7; 35:7).

The Mosaic Law formalized sacrificial practices, detailing various offerings such as burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings (Leviticus 1-7). These sacrifices served multiple purposes: atonement for sin, expressions of gratitude, and means of maintaining fellowship with God. The Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, was a significant annual event where the high priest made atonement for the sins of Israel through sacrifices.

The Role of the Priesthood

The Levitical priesthood was established to mediate between God and His people, performing sacrifices on behalf of the Israelites. The priests were consecrated to offer sacrifices, maintain the sanctity of the tabernacle, and instruct the people in the ways of the Lord (Exodus 28-29; Leviticus 10:11). The high priest, in particular, played a crucial role in the sacrificial system, especially on the Day of Atonement.

Prophetic Critique and Spiritual Sacrifice

The prophets often critiqued the sacrificial system when it became a mere ritual devoid of genuine devotion and obedience. God, through the prophets, emphasized that He desired mercy, justice, and a contrite heart over ritualistic offerings (1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:11-17; Hosea 6:6). This prophetic critique pointed to a deeper understanding of worship, where true sacrifice involved a heart aligned with God's will.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is depicted as the once-for-all atonement for sin, rendering the Old Testament sacrifices obsolete (Hebrews 9:12-14; 10:10). His resurrection affirms the sufficiency and efficacy of His sacrifice.

Believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as an act of spiritual worship (Romans 12:1). This new form of sacrifice involves a life of obedience, service, and love, reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ.

Conclusion

Worship through sacrifice, as revealed in Scripture, underscores the seriousness of sin, the holiness of God, and the depth of His love for humanity. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who embodies the perfect sacrifice. Believers are invited to participate in this sacrificial worship by living lives that honor God and reflect His grace.