The book of Leviticus begins with instructions for a series of sacrifices. The five that are mentioned are the burnt offering, the grain offering, the peace offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering. One common characteristic that each share is that the sacrifice offered to God must be without blemish. A few of these scriptures include Leviticus 1:3, 1:10, 3:1, 3:6, 4:3, 4:23, 4:28, 4:32, 5:15, 5:18, and 6:6.
It quickly becomes clear how precise God is concerning the perfection of sacrifices offered to Him. In fact, we read in Malachi where God is expressing His great displeasure in the imperfect sacrifices His people offered. He says, “And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?” Says the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 1:7-8
No matter how perfect of a sacrifice man offered to God, it still could not take away sin. The Hebrew writer stated, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” Hebrews 10:4. Therefore, Jesus did for us what no one else could. He laid down His very life for us. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13
Jesus was that pure and perfect sacrifice. He became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The devil wasted no opportunity to tempt Him to sin against the Father. The Hebrew writer stated, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). Peter also declared of Jesus, “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22).
Because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, we too can be without spot and without blemish. This is not by our own righteousness or goodness, but by the precious blood of Jesus that He shed for us. Paul wrote, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27)
Today, when we are baptized in the name of Christ for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38), we contact the blood of Jesus (Romans 6:3-4), and our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). We become a new creation in Christ (2Corinthians 5:17). When we hold fast to this great blessing we have in Christ, we will stand before God some day without spot and without blemish!
God Bless each of you,
Eric Hicks