What were the types of Old Testament
sacrifices?
Burnt offering:
A whole, perfect animal was
sacrificed and the blood was
sprinkled on the altar. This
death was seen as a substitute for
the person offering the
sacrifice.
Grain offering:
This was a goodwill offering to
God consisting of flour, grain, or
cakes along with oil. Part was
burned on the altar and the rest was
given to the priests.
Offering of well-being:
This offering was similar to the
burnt offering except in this case,
only the fat was offered on the
altar. The meat was then, shared by
the family in celebration and
friendship with God.
Offering for sin:
The holy place of the tabernacle
or the temple was defiled when
someone sinned against another
person or against God and it had to
be cleansed. The blood of an animal
was sprinkled about the place to
symbolize the removal of the sin
through the death that took place.
Some of the meat was then given to
the priest. Once the meat was
consumed without incident, the
people could rest, knowing that God
had forgiven them.
Jesus Christ, became the final
and perfect sacrifice when He died
on the cross and offered himself as
the spotless Lamb of God. His blood
was spilled as a substitute for the
blood of every man. 1 John 1:9 says
that this offering was for every
person:
"If we confess our sins He is
faithful and just and will forgive
us our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness."
