Bible Study, Old Testament 
No Comments Leviticus 1-3: Understanding Sacrifices
“All on the altar” (Leviticus 1:9) is the key to this sacrifice, for it speaks of complete dedication to the Lord. The animal was an involuntary sacrifice that died, but God’s people are to be willing living sacrifices (Romans 12:1–2). Do you put your “all on the altar” at the beginning of each day (Leviticus 6:8–13)? The offering must be brought to the Lord, and its purpose must be to please the Lord as a “sweet aroma” (Leviticus 1:9, 13, 17). People may not understand you, but if you seek to please Him, He will accept it (1 Peter 2:5). No matter how poor we may feel, or how little we think we have to give Him, He will receive what we have and bless it (Leviticus 1:14–17). The important thing is that we give our all to Him each day.
The priest started each day by sacrificing a burnt offering. It became the foundation for all the other offerings put on the altar (Exodus 29:38–42; Leviticus 3:5). Unless we have our “all on the altar,” our sacrifices will not mean much to the Lord.
There was no shedding of blood involved in the grain offering, for it focused on the life and character of our Lord Jesus Christ rather than on His death. In Him was perfect balance; nothing was ever in excess. His life on earth pleased God (Matthew 17:5). As we become more like Him, we shall become more and more balanced in character.
The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit who has anointed each believer (2 Corinthians 1:21–22). The oil mixed with the offering (Leviticus 1:4) reminds us that our Lord was born of the Spirit with a perfect nature (Luke 1:35). The oil poured on the offering (Leviticus 1:6) speaks of the power of the Spirit given to the Savior (Acts 10:38). We need the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and the power of the Spirit (Acts 1:8) if we are to please God in character and service.
Note that God never wants leaven (a picture of sin – 1 Corinthians 5:6–8) or honey (man’s glory and not God’s – Proverbs 25:27). But He does want salt, which speaks of purity (Colossians 4:6), and frankincense, which is praise to God. What a privilege it is to build a Christian life that brings glory to God!
Religion is man’s attempt to make peace with God on his own terms. Redemption is God’s offer of peace