The Old Testament is full of types and shadows, all pointing towards Jesus and the salvation which He brought through the offering of himself, a perfect and once-for-all-time sacrifice. There were five offerings which the Israelites brought, and these were all instruments of grace to contemporarily restore or maintain the relationship between God and themselves. They were the burnt offering, the grain offering (a voluntary offering expressing to God recognition of his goodness and providence), the peace offering (a response to the fact that God has redeemed you, resulting in peace between you and him), the sin offering (when you have committed an unintentional sin), the guilt offering (making reparation for your sins). The burnt offering was for atonement or covering of sin and an expression of devotion to God. The burn offering had to be without blemish, given freely, and the person offering the animal had to associate with it as the animal died in the person’s place, their sin having been transferred to it. It had to be burnt up completely on a fire which had to be kept burning continuously. This fire was initially ignited by God, symbolizing his acceptance of the sacrifice. The burnt offering had to be continuously taking place, morning, and evening. The burnt offering was, of course, a type of Jesus, whose blood mercifully cleanses us continuously. We have continuous access to God with no condemnation. Our response to the offering Jesus made is to live a life of total devotion to and love for God, keeping a continued zeal and fire going for God by joyfully and gratefully remembering Jesus’ sacrifice. We are to continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise and worship, which is the fruit of our lips, as well as offering our bodies as a living sacrifice. In view of the cross and our understanding of what it means, we will always be fruitful. When we pray, the fruit will be that God will answer.
