HOLY OFFERINGS-VOLUNTARY AND COMPULSORY- (Leviticus 1:1-7:38)

Some of the offerings and sacrifices of the Law were voluntary, whereas others were compulsory.  The burnt offering, for example, was voluntary. It was presented to God in its entirety, even as Jesus Christ willingly and wholly gave his life as a ransom sacrifice.  The voluntary communion sacrifice was shared.  One part of it was presented to God on the altar, another portion was eaten by the priest, and still another by the one offering it.  Comparably, for anointed Christians, the Memorial of Christ's death is a communion meal. -1 Corinthians 10:16-22.

Sin offerings and guilt offerings were compulsory. The first atoned for sins committed by mistake, or unintentionally. The second satisfied God when a right was violated, or it restored certain rights for the repentant wrongdoer-or both. There were also grain offerings made in recognition of Jehovah's bounty.  All these matters are of interest to us because the sacrifices commanded under the Law covenant pointed to Jesus Christ and his sacrifice or to benefits flowing therefore. -Hebrews 8:3-6; 9:9-14; 10:5-10. 

Next time: HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS SET FORTH -(Leviticus 8:1=10:20) 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2004