The Six Basic Actions of the Sacrificial Ceremony

SIX BASIC ACTIONS

1.  The presentation of the animal by bringing it to the door of the court the sanctuary (Leviticus 1:3; 4:4, 14; etc.)

express the desire of the one sacrificing to have fellowship with the God whose dwelling was symbolized by the Tabernacle.

                                 

2.  The sacrificer would lay his hand on the head of the animal (Leviticus 1:4)

“By the imposition of hands the sacrificial animal was appointed to play the part of the sinner meriting punishment, i.e., to bear the merited punishment in his stead…” (Kurtz 93).

3.  The animal was then slaughtered before the altar

this part was performed by the worshiper, except for the national offerings (Leviticus 16:11; 2 Chronicles 29:24)

it signified the completion of a vicarious penal death for the sinful man (Kurtz 102)

4.  The sprinkling of blood against the altar

atonement is complete

the soul of the animal in the blood atoned for (covered, forgave) the sin attached to the soul of the sacrificer (Leviticus 17:11)

5.  The burning of the flesh upon the altar

with the sacrificer now atoned for, he can present his gift to God in the burning (as the smoke and vapor ascend to heaven), “an expression of his obligation to make such a surrender himself (Kurtz 158)

6.  A sacrificial meal (Leviticus 7:15) was the final activity was associated with only one kind of sacrifice – the peace offering

fellowship, joy, and gladness