Gospel Journey

Was Moses saved by sheep?

During the week, we'll be looking at the commandments for our devotional. If you haven't checked it out today, go there first. Then, come back here and take a look at some questions people often ask when dealing with the Law.

Was Moses saved by sheep?

The animal sacrificial system is confusing for us from the Old Testament. It seems so gross and cruel to us today, that rarely do we consider whether we should be practicing it now. But if you spend much time reading passages in the Old Testament, you will see it everywhere. Should we be doing it now? Have we only stopped because we are scared of PETA?

Hebrews 10:1-18 explains how the sacrificial system worked. A key verse to consider is, "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4).

The Old Testament saints were not saved by sacrificing bull and goats. They are saved the same way we are: faith in Jesus Christ. Their sacrificial system was used as a reminder for them that One is coming who will defeat sin and give them forgiveness by making the ultimate sacrifice. That's why we don't sacrifice animals anymore. It's not necessary. We have the event of Christ dying on the cross, the Holy Spirit living with us, and the Bible to all remind us of that sacrifice.

In fact, the animal sacrifices were intended to declare the gospel message. They were a reminder that we were sinners and we needed a sacrifice to be made (Jesus) to pay the penalty for our sins.

After Christ's resurrection, stopping animal sacrifices is a way to declare the gospel. We are stating to the world that the Perfect Sacrifice has already been offered.

So take your hands off of "Gracie-the-rat-dog." You don't need to offer her as a sacrifice.

posted by danny2 @ 7:30 AM