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A sacrifice is no substitute for obedience–<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

1Sa 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is<\/i> better than sacrifice, and<\/i> to hearken than the fat of rams. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Psa 51:16, 17 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:<\/i> thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Hos 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Heb 10:5-7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices<\/i> for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

At Gilgal, Saul had made an appearance of great conscientiousness, as he stood before the army of Israel offering up a sacrifice to God. But his piety was not genuine. A religious service performed in direct opposition to the command of God only served to weaken Saul’s hands, placing him beyond the help that God was so willing to grant him. <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In his expedition against Amalek, Saul thought he had done all that was essential of that which the Lord had commanded him; but the Lord was not pleased with partial obedience, nor willing to pass over what had been neglected through so plausible a motive. God has given men no liberty to depart from His requirements. The Lord had declared to Israel, “Ye shall not do . . . every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes;” but ye shall “observe and hear all these words which I command thee.” Deuteronomy 12:8, 28. In deciding upon any course of action we are not to ask whether we can see that harm will result from it, but whether it is in keeping with the will of God. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12. <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

“To obey is better than sacrifice.” The sacrificial offerings were in themselves of no value in the sight of God. They were designed to express on the part of the offerer penitence for sin and faith in Christ and to pledge future obedience to the law of God. But without penitence, faith, and an obedient heart, the offerings were worthless. When, in direct violation of God’s command, Saul proposed to present a sacrifice of that which God had devoted to destruction, open contempt was shown for the divine authority. The service would have been an insult to Heaven. Yet with the sin of Saul and its result before us, how many are pursuing a similar course. While they refuse to believe and obey some requirement of the Lord, they persevere in offering up to God their formal services of religion. There is no response of the Spirit of God to such service. No matter how zealous men may be in their observance of religious ceremonies, the Lord cannot accept them if they persist in willful violation of one of His commands. <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” Rebellion originated with Satan, and all rebellion against God is directly due to satanic influence. Those who set themselves against the government of God have entered into an alliance with the archapostate, and he will exercise his power and cunning to captivate the senses and mislead the understanding. He will cause everything to appear in a false light. Like our first parents, those who are under his bewitching spell see only the great benefits to be received by transgression. <\/i> PP 634, 635<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

God did not have as great delight in their shedding the blood of beasts as in obedience to his commandments. The offerings were divinely appointed to remind sinful man that sin brought death, and that the blood of the innocent beast could atone for the guilt of the transgressor, by virtue of the great sacrifice yet to be offered. God required of his people obedience rather than sacrifice. All the riches of the earth were his. The cattle upon a thousand hills belonged to him. He did not require the spoil of a corrupt people, upon whom his curse rested, even to their utter extinction, to be presented to him to prefigure the holy Saviour, as a lamb without blemish. <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Samuel informed Saul that his rebellion was as the sin of witchcraft. That is, when one commenced to travel in the path of rebellion, he yields himself to be controlled by an influence that is in opposition to the will of God. Satan controls the rebellious mind. Those who are thus controlled lose a calm trust in God, and have less and less disposition to yield loving obedience to his will. Satan becomes more and more familiar with them, until they seem to have no power to cease to rebel. In this respect, rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. <\/i> 4aSG 75, 76<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

No blemishes–<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lev 22:17-24 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever he be<\/i> of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering; Ye shall offer<\/i> at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats. But<\/i> whatsoever hath a blemish, that<\/i> shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you. And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his<\/i> vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein. Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD. Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for<\/i> a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted. Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof<\/i> in your land. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

(also Exo 12:5; 29:1; Lev 1:3, 10; 3:1, 6, 9; 4:3, 23, 28, 32; 5:15, 18; 6:6; 9:2, 3; 14:10; 23:12, 18; Num 6:14; 19:2; 28:3, 9, 11, 19, 31; 29:2, 8, 13, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 36; Deu 15:21; 17:1; 18:13;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mal 1:8, 13 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it<\/i> not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it<\/i> not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. . . . Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it!<\/i> and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was<\/i> torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Paul writes to his Christian converts, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Specific directions were given to ancient Israel that no defective or diseased animal should be presented as an offering to God. Only the most perfect were to be selected for this purpose. The Lord, through the prophet Malachi, most severely reproved his people for departing from these instructions. <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

“A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master; if then I be a father, where is mine honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts. Ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering; should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord.” <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Let us give careful heed to these warnings and reproofs. Though addressed to ancient Israel, they are no less applicable to the people of God today. And we should consider the words of the apostle in which he appeals to his brethren, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” This is true sanctification. It is not merely a theory, an emotion, or a form of words, but a living, active principle, entering into the every-day life. It requires that our habits of eating, drinking, and dressing, be such as to secure the preservation of physical, mental, and moral health, that we may present to the Lord our bodies–not an offering corrupted by wrong habits, but–“a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” <\/i> RH 01-25-81<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Family worship should not be governed by circumstances. You are not to pray occasionally and, when you have a large day’s work to do, neglect it. In thus doing you lead your children to look upon prayer as of no special consequence. Prayer means very much to the children of God, and thank offerings should come up before God morning and evening. Says the psalmist, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Fathers and mothers, however pressing your business, do not fail to gather your family around God’s altar. Ask for the guardianship of holy angels in your home. Remember that your dear ones are exposed to temptations. <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In our efforts for the comfort and happiness of guests, let us not overlook our obligations to God. The hour of prayer should not be neglected for any consideration. Do not talk and amuse yourselves till all are too weary to enjoy the season of devotion. To do this is to present to God a lame offering. At an early hour of the evening, when we can pray unhurriedly and understandingly, we should present our supplications and raise our voices in happy, grateful praise.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Let all who visit Christians see that the hour of prayer is the most precious, the most sacred, and the happiest hour of the day. These seasons of devotion exert a refining, elevating influence upon all who participate in them. They bring a peace and rest grateful to the spirit. <\/i> CG 520, 521<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Let us stand clear of all these church corruptions, dissipations, and festivals<\/i> (\u201csuppers, fairs, dances, and festivals gotten up for the purpose of gathering means into the church treasury\u201d mentioned earlier in this RH article), which have a demoralizing influence upon young and old. We have no right to throw over them the cloak of sanctity because the means is to be used for church purposes. Such offerings are lame and diseased, and bear the curse of God. They are the price of souls. The pulpit may defend festivals, dancing, lotteries, fairs, and luxurious feasts, to obtain means for church purposes; but let us participate in none of these things; for if we do, God\u2019s displeasure will be upon us. We do not propose to appeal to the lust of appetite or resort to carnal amusements as an inducement to Christ\u2019s professed followers to give of the means which God has intrusted to them. If they do not give willingly, for the love of Christ, the offering will in no case be acceptable to God.<\/i> RH 11-21-78 <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

At personal expense–<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lev 1:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even<\/i> of the herd, and of the flock. (not a wild animal)<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lev 22:25 Neither from a stranger’s hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is<\/i> in them, and<\/i> blemishes be<\/i> in them: they shall not be accepted for you. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1Sa 15:20-23 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great<\/i> delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is<\/i> better than sacrifice, and<\/i> to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as<\/i> the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as<\/i> iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being<\/i> king. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2Sa 24:18-25 And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite. And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded. And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground. And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people. And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth<\/i> good unto him: behold, here be<\/i> oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other<\/i> instruments of the oxen for wood. All these things<\/i> did Araunah, as<\/i> a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee. And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it<\/i> of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Isa 61:8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t come without an offering<\/b>—<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Exo 23:15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Exo 34:20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deu 16:16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1Ch 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due<\/i> unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Psa 96:8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto<\/i> his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2Co 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is<\/i> accepted according to that a man hath, and<\/i> not according to that he hath not. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t offer what was gained through sinful means–<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deu 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are<\/i> abomination unto the LORD thy God. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1Sa 15:13-23 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed <\/span><\/span><\/span>be<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. <\/span><\/span><\/span>And Samuel said, What <\/span><\/span><\/span>meaneth<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. And Samuel said, When thou <\/span><\/span><\/span>wast<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> little in thine own sight, <\/span><\/span><\/span>wast<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> thou not <\/span><\/span><\/span>made<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD <\/span><\/span><\/span>as great<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey <\/span><\/span><\/span>is<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> better than sacrifice, <\/span><\/span><\/span>and<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion <\/span><\/span><\/span>is as<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness <\/span><\/span><\/span>is as<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from <\/span><\/span><\/span>being<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> king.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Isa 61:8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Professed Christians reject the Lord\u2019s plan of raising means for his work; and to what do they resort to supply the lack? God sees the wickedness of the methods they adopt. Places of worship are defiled by all manner of idolatrous dissipation, that a little money may be won from selfish pleasure-lovers to pay church debts or to sustain the work of the church. Many of these persons would not of their own accord pay one shilling for religious purposes. Where, in God\u2019s directions for the support of his work, do we find any mention of bazaars, concerts, fancy fairs, and similar entertainments? Must the Lord\u2019s cause be dependent upon the very things he has forbidden in his word\u2014upon those things that turn the mind away from God, from sobriety, from piety and holiness? And what impression is made upon the minds of unbelievers? The holy standard of the word of God is lowered into the dust. Contempt is cast upon God and upon the Christian name. The most corrupt principles are strengthened by this unscriptural way of raising means. And this is as Satan would have it. Men are repeating the sin of Nadab and Abihu. They are using common instead of sacred fire in the service of God. The Lord accepts no such offerings. All these methods for bringing money into his treasury are an abomination to him. <\/i> RH 12-08-96<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

No one is to work evil to his brother’s interest with the excuse that it is to help in a certain line of the work of God. In doing that certain work he places his brethren in a position where they are hindered from doing the work the Lord would have them do in behalf of truth and righteousness. The Lord will not accept such an offering. It is gained by robbery, and He says, \u201cI hate robbery for burnt offering.\u201d <\/i><\/span> GH August 1, 1900<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

No leaven or honey<\/b>—<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Both leaven and honey are agents of fermentation and thus have negative symbolism.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Exo 23:18 Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Exo 34:25 Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the passover be left unto the morning.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lev 2:11 No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Exceptions–<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lev 23:15-17 And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days (Pentecost); and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are<\/i> the firstfruits unto the LORD. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2Ch 31:4, 5 Moreover he (Hezekiah) commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things<\/i> brought they in abundantly. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Another characteristic of leaven that has both negative and positive symbolism is its ability to invisibly permeate and affect an entire lump of dough.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mat 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mat 16:6, 11, 12 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. . . . How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it<\/i> not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them<\/i> not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Luk 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1Co 5:6-8 Your glorying is<\/i> not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread<\/i> of sincerity and truth. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Gal 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

With salt–<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The symbolic use of salt stems from its purifying, preserving, and seasoning properties.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lev 2:13 And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Num 18:19 All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is<\/i> a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2Ki 2:19-22 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is<\/i> pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is<\/i> naught, and the ground barren. And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it<\/i> to him. And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.<\/i> So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2Ch 13:4, 5 And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is<\/i> in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel; Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even<\/i> to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Eze 43:23, 24 When thou hast made an end of cleansing it,<\/i> thou shalt offer a young bullock without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish. And thou shalt offer them before the LORD, and the priests shall cast salt upon them, and they shall offer them up for<\/i> a burnt offering unto the LORD. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mar 9:49, 50 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is<\/i> good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Col 4:6 Let your speech be<\/i> alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In the ritual service, salt was added to every sacrifice. This, like the offering of incense, signified that only the righteousness of Christ could make the service acceptable to God. Referring to this practice, Jesus said, \u201cEvery sacrifice shall be salted with salt.\u201d \u201cHave salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.\u201d All who would present themselves \u201ca living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God\u201d ( Romans 12:1), must receive the saving salt, the righteousness of our Saviour. Then they become \u201cthe salt of the earth,\u201d restraining evil among men, as salt preserves from corruption. Matthew 5:13. But if the salt has lost its savor; if there is only a profession of godliness, without the love of Christ, there is no power for good. The life can exert no saving influence upon the world. Your energy and efficiency in the upbuilding of My kingdom, Jesus says, depend upon your receiving of My Spirit. You must be partakers of My grace, in order to be a savor of life unto life. Then there will be no rivalry, no self-seeking, no desire for the highest place. You will have that love which seeks not her own, but another\u2019s wealth.<\/i> DA 439<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Follow God’s specifications<\/b>—<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

at \u201cthe place which the LORD your God shall choose\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deu 12:5, 11, 14, 18, 26; 14:23-25; 15:20; 16:2, 6, 7, 15, 16<\/span>; 17:8, 10; 18:6; 26:2; 31:11<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Eze 6:13 Then shall ye know that I am<\/i> the LORD, when their slain men<\/i> shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Joh 4:19-24 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is<\/i> a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him<\/i> in spirit and in truth. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1Ti 2:5 For <\/span>there is<\/i><\/span> one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t worship like the heathen, just doing what is right in your own eyes.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Exo 23:24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Exo 34:12-17 Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is<\/i> Jealous, is<\/i> a jealous God: Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one<\/i> call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods. Thou shalt make thee no molten gods.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Num 25:1, 2 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deu 7:25, 26 The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is<\/i> on them, nor take it<\/i> unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is<\/i> an abomination to the LORD thy God. Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but<\/i>thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is<\/i> a cursed thing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deu 12:1-4 These are<\/i> the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth. Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deu 12:29-31 When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deu 16:21, 22 Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee. Neither shalt thou set thee up any<\/i> image; which the LORD thy God hateth.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deu 18:9-14 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one<\/i> that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or<\/i> that useth divination, or<\/i> an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are<\/i> an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Jdg 17:6 In those days <\/span><\/span><\/span>there was<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> no king in Israel, <\/span><\/span><\/span>but<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> every man did <\/span><\/span><\/span>that which was<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> right in his own eyes. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Jdg 21:25 In those days there was<\/i> no king in Israel: every man did that which was<\/i> right in his own eyes. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1Ki 14:22-24 And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done. <\/span><\/span><\/span>For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. And there were also sodomites in the land: <\/span><\/span><\/span>and<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1Ki 18:26-28 And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it,<\/i> and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was<\/i> no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is<\/i> a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or<\/i> peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2Ki 17:9-12 And the children of Israel did secretly <\/span><\/span><\/span>those<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> things that <\/span><\/span><\/span>were<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city. <\/span><\/span><\/span>And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree: And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as <\/span><\/span><\/span>did<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger: For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 14:12 <\/span><\/span><\/span>There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof <\/span><\/span><\/span>are<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> the ways of death.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are<\/i> the ways of death. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Pro 21:2 Every way of a man is<\/i> right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do:<\/i> for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In deciding upon any course of action we are not to ask whether we can see that harm will result from it, but whether it is in keeping with the will of God. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12. <\/i> PP 634<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The advancing centuries witnessed a constant increase of error in the doctrines put forth from Rome. Even before the establishment of the papacy the teachings of heathen philosophers had received attention and exerted an influence in the church. Many who professed conversion still clung to the tenets of their pagan philosophy, and not only continued its study themselves, but urged it upon others as a means of extending their influence among the heathen. Serious errors were thus introduced into the Christian faith. Prominent among these was the belief in man\u2019s natural immortality and his consciousness in death. This doctrine laid the foundation upon which Rome established the invocation of saints and the adoration of the Virgin Mary. From this sprang also the heresy of eternal torment for the finally impenitent, which was early incorporated into the papal faith. <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Then the way was prepared for the introduction of still another invention of paganism, which Rome named purgatory, and employed to terrify the credulous and superstitious multitudes. By this heresy is affirmed the existence of a place of torment, in which the souls of such as have not merited eternal damnation are to suffer punishment for their sins, and from which, when freed from impurity, they are admitted to heaven.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Still another fabrication was needed to enable Rome to profit by the fears and the vices of her adherents. This was supplied by the doctrine of indulgences. Full remission of sins, past, present, and future, and release from all the pains and penalties incurred, were promised to all who would enlist in the pontiff\u2019s wars to extend his temporal dominion, to punish his enemies, or to exterminate those who dared deny his spiritual supremacy. The people were also taught that by the payment of money to the church they might free themselves from sin, and also release the souls of their deceased friends who were confined in the tormenting flames. By such means did Rome fill her coffers and sustain the magnificence, luxury, and vice of the pretended representatives of Him who had not where to lay His head.<\/i> GC 58, 59<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Spiritual sacrifices–<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Psa 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Psa 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his<\/i> conversation aright<\/i> will I shew the salvation of God. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Psa 141:2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as<\/i> incense; and<\/i> the lifting up of my hands as<\/i> the evening sacrifice. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Joh 4:22-24 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is<\/i> a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him<\/i> in spirit and in truth. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is<\/i> your reasonable service. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Heb 13:15, 16 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our<\/i> lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Back to THE TORAH CONNECTION Table of Contents<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Back to THE TORAH CONNECTION Table of Contents A sacrifice is no substitute for obedience– 1Sa 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Psa … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “PRINCIPLES REGARDING SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-550","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8gHhX-8S","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/550"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=550"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/550\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1023,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/550\/revisions\/1023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=550"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=550"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}