Why these five offerings are relevant to today Church

These five offerings were part of the everyday living of the "Church the wilderness" as they journeyed from Egypt to ultimate purpose, Solomon's Temple. (Gen.12:1; 15:1-21, [v.13, Exod.1-12] Deut.12:1-12, 1Chron.17:1-15; 22:1-22) This foreshadows the everday living of the Church, as we journey towards the ultimate purpose and "prize of the high calling,"(Phil.3:14) which is The Bride of Christ. (Review Phase two, pages.1-4)

Jesus said, He did not come to destroy these five offerings but to fulfill (or complete) every "jot" and "title." (A "jot" is the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and a "title" is the an accent on certain letters. Matt.5:17-19, Gal.3:24, Rom.3:21,31; Rom.8:3-4)  

If you want to be like Jesus, (Rom.8:28-29, 2Cor.3:18, 1John.3:2) then you will do and say the same things as He does. (1Peter.2:21) This means that you will not want to destroy these offerings, but allow the fulfillment of them in your life as Jesus did. This is being built on The Rock Christ Jesus. (Matt.7:24-26) To reject these offerings and to say they are not relevant to the New Testament Church, is to weaken your very foundation. (1Cor.3:10-11, Matt.16:18, Psa.11:3) 



                                                        (For explanation of the Tabernacle, click here)
          Remember, this the Holy Spirit of God inspiring Peter to write and infallibly1 interpret this truth.
                                                                                      (2Tim.3:16-17)

1.  What does Peter mean, "priesthood?" 
     This is Old Testament language2 from the Levitical priesthood given at Mt. Sinai, (Exod.25-40) 
     where the family of Levi was set aside to minister unto the Lord, and no stranger could approach.  
     (Num.1:47-54; 3:38) Here Peter is giving us a "key" to understanding our responsibility and
     accountability before the Lord. What the priesthood did under Aaron the high priest, is the 
     Churches everyday  job description, as we function in the true Tabernacle that the Lord pitched  
     (Heb.8:1-5) and not man. (1Peter.2:5, Heb.3:1)
     a.  The Church, the believer, those that are born again5 of the Spirit of God are the priesthood.
          (1Peter.2:5-9, Rev.1:6; 5:10) 
     b.  Jesus is our High Priest. (Heb.3:1)

2.  The only way to become a priests is to be born into the family. 
     The "stranger's"6 (foreigner's, aliens, those not born into the family) were rejected during the
     time of Nehemiah from being part of the priesthood, because "their register...by genealogy...was
     not found" (Neh.7:63-65) They would have "polluted" the priesthood.
     a.  This pattern continues 
          In the New Testament today in it's fulfilled when we are "born again" into3  the "family," 
          (John.3:1-8, Eph.3:15) the "household of God." (Eph.2:19) or else we would be 
          "strangers" (Eph.2:11-19) and pollute "the things of God." (1Cor.2:10-14) 
          (1)  Strangers 
                 These are the "tares"(the children of the wicked one Matt.13:38) amongst the wheat.  
                 These are those "which say they are Jews, (Rom.2:28-29, Gal.6:15-16) and are not." 
                  (Rev.2:9)
          (2)  Born again
                 You must be "born again," because we are all strangers. We were all born in sin (children  
                 of the wicked one) and walk according to the "desires of the flesh and of the mind."  
                 (Eph.2:1-19)
     b.  Don't think of "priests" as in the Catholic or Episcopal Churches
          The priesthood (1Peter.2:5-9, Rev.1:6; 5:10) was taken away from the people (the saints  
          1Cor.1:2; 6:1; 16:1, 2Cor.1:1, Eph.1:1) as the Church spiritually declined and given to who      
          man decided should be priests.
          (1)  Priesthood taken from the people
                 From "the 2nd century on, however, the sacerdotal hierarchy  developed along the lines of  
                 the Hebrew priesthood, the title  episcopus , or  bishop, becoming reserved for those who 
                 presided over the presbyterate, then called sacerdotes because they shared in the  
                 episcopal sacerdotium (“priesthood”), which included the offering of the eucharistic  
                 sacrifice of bread and wine. But the conferring of holy orders (ordination of presbyters)  
                 and administering the sacrament of confirmation,   
                 together with administration of the diocese      
                 (jurisdictional area), were confined to the episcopate.  
                 In due course the threefold ministry of bishops,  
                 priests, and deacons (administrative and 
                 liturgical assistants in a parish) became organized   
                 on a diocesan basis." Encyclopedia Brittanica
          (2)  This remained the norm in the Western church  
                 until the  Reformation 
                 In "the 16th century, when it was repudiated by the    
                 continental Reformers (e.g., Luther, Calvin, and  
                 Zwingli). In Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism,  
                 Swedish Lutheranism, and Eastern Orthodoxy, 
                 apostolic succession and jurisdiction has been     
                 maintained, especially in the Roman Catholic papacy  
                 and in Eastern Orthodox patriarchates. Originally the  
                 terms presbyteros (“ elder”) and episkopos 
                 (“overseer”), current in the New Testament and the 
                 early church, were probably identical." 
                 Encyclopedia Brittanica

                       This is the historical record which  
            confirms that the Spirit of God has  
            restored the "priesthood" back to 
            the people.

3.  Only the priests could offer sacrifice.  
     In the Old Testament "ensample"(type, shadow, figure) "the  
     priests, Aaron's sons. shall bring the blood and sprinkle the  
     blood..."(Lev.1:5, 7, 11; 2:2, 9; 3:2, 8; 4:7) There were those  
     the assume the office of a priest, and were rejected.  
     (1Kings.12:30-33; 13:16, 2Chron.26:16-23, 
     1Sam.13:12; 15:1-35) No "strangers!" No unbeliever! 
     No unsaved!  God still requires that we be found in the  
     correct "register" and "genealogy." (Num.1:47-54, Eph.2:11-19) that begins in Christ Jesus. 
     (John.3:1-8, 2Cor.5:17-21)        

  

     a.  How can the stranger meet with God when cannot offer sacrifice?    
          The answer is simple. They must become "born again" (John.3:3-9) into the family (Eph.3:15) 
          of the priesthood. (1Peter.2:5)  Through Adam's disobedience "death (Sin) has passed  
          upon all men," (Rom.5:12-21) making all men "dead (spiritually) in trespasses and sins."   
          This requires that man be "born again" into the family of God. To be become a "new creature  
          (creation) in Christ" (2Cor.5:17) Not turn over a new leaf, or reinvent yourself) 
     b.  There were those that assumed the office of a priest, and were rejected. 
          Only "thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children  
          of Israel: But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the  
          vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the   
          vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle."
          (Num 1:49-51)
          (1)  Saul. (1Sam.13:13; 15:1-35)
          (2)  Uzzah. (1Chron.13:9-14)
          (3)  Jeroboam. (1King.12:25-33; 13:1-6) 
          (4)  Uzziah. (2Chron.26:16-23)

3.  What does the word "sacrifice" mean?
     Most think of "sacrifice" as giving up something, or to go without. Sacrifice, in the context of  
     God's Word means, the death of something to be totally consumed, completely gone.  
     Out of your control. Think about it!  What are we giving up? We have nothing to offer?  What  
     are we sacrificing? We are not earning our way back to God by giving up our plans, lifestyle,  
     goals! (Rom.7:18, Isa.64:6) 
     a.  The Hebrew word for "sacrifice" means a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by 
          implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act) It has been translated into English as offer, 
          or to offer sacrifice.  Strong's Heb. Dictionary
     b.  The Greek word for "sacrifice" means to sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively) 
          Strong's Greek Dictionary
     .

             
4.  What does the word "offering" mean?
     Many think of taking an offering is passing the collect plate (box, bag, container) at Sunday 
     morning Church. An "offering" is much more than putting money in a collection plate or giving
     to some Radio, or T.V. Evangelist, or some Church building project, or program. It is not just a
     traditional "thing" we do when  we go to Church. Offering "spiritual sacrifices" (1Peter.2:5) is 
     a vital function of the Priesthood of the believers as we minister to the Lord (Num.1:47- 
     54) in the "true" Tabernacle that the Lord pitched and not man." (Heb.8:1-5; 9:1-26)
     a.  Each offering could only be offered upon the Brazen Altar. (Lev.17:8-11, Heb.13:10) This  
          is "a shadow of good things to come,"(Heb.10:1, Matt.5:17-19) which is the Lord Jesus  
          Christ. Any offering rejecting Christ is rejected. (John.10:1-10; 14:6, 1Tim.2:5) The pattern  
          has not changed!
     b.  Each offering  is to be totally consumed by fire. (Lev.1:7; 17:1-9, 1Cor.3:13,     
          Heb.12:29, Matt.3:11) Our offering is to be tested and tried by the fire of God's Word to  
          reveal "what sort (kind - the intents of the heart) is." (1Cor.3:13, Psa.105:19, Heb.4:12-13)
          Once on the Altar the offering belonged to God and out of your control. You cannot take it back!
          Note: Eccl.5:1-5, Deut.23:23, Matt.21:28-32, Matt.12:36
     c.  Each offering must not be "Blind." (Lev.22:21-23)
          The blemish of "blindness" (2Peter.1:5-9, Matt.13:10-17, Eph.1:18)  Some translations use
          "heart" instead of "eyes."  This does not change the thought of our lack of understanding is 
          being blind. (Matt.13:16, Luke.24:16, 25-31, 2Cor.3:13-16, Eph.4:18) To offer a "spiritual   
          sacrifice" (i.e. The Sin, Trespass, Burnt, Meal or Peace Offering) devoid of the Word of God 
          is a blemish of blindness, and is robbing God.(Mal.1:8; 3:8) Note: Matt.23:23
     d.  Each offering must not be "broken." (Lev.22:22-23)
          Unfaithfulness. (Prov.25:19) To offer any of these five offerings with unfaithfulness in our life
          towards God is a blemished offering (Eph.5:26-27) and is robbing God.(Mal.1:8; 3:8) 
          Note: Matt.23:23
     e.  Each offering must not be "maimed." (Lev.22:22-23)
          Maimed is to be crippled or damaged. English: is to mutilate, disfigure, or wound seriously. 
          The Hebrew word is to point sharply, i.e. (literally) to wound. To offer any crippled offering is
          to deprive yourself the of capability for service or of strength, efficiency, or wholeness.
      f.  Each offering must not be an offering "having a wen." (Lev.22:22-23)
          Having an offering that is mutilated, disfigured, or wounded seriously is robbing God.
          (Mal.1:8; 3:8 / Note: Matt.23:23) Paul spoke of those the "corrupt the Word of God
          (2Cor.2:17) Jude wrote, that there were "certain men crept in unawares...turning the grace of
          God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and or Lord Jesus  Christ." (Jude.1:4)
          These "certain men" were disfiguring the Grace of God.
     g.  Each offering must not have "scurvy."  (Lev.22:22-23)
          The word "Scurvy" is from an unused root meaning to scratch;[ to scrape or rub oneself lightly
          (as to relieve itching11) scurf (from itching12) In these "last days," there are those that "heap to 
          themselves teachers itching ears," because they will not "endure sound doctrine." (2Tim.4:3) 
          When we offer our "spiritual" sacrifices with the "scurvy" of  the doctrines of men that appease 
          our flesh, it is "robbing" God. (Mal.1:8; 3:8)
     h.  Each offering must not be "scabbed." (Lev.22:22-23)
          "Scabbed"- is to stick or scrape; scurf [thin dry scales detached from the epidermis especially 
          in an abnormal skin condition; specifically : dandruff13] or tetter [any of various vesicular skin 
          diseases (as ringworm,14 eczema,15 and herpes16) Our "spiritual sacrifice / offering" must be
          without the blemish of allowing yourself to be infected by the popular opinion, trends, fads that
          infect the Church world, rather than abiding by the principles and patterns of God's Word.
          (2Sam.15:24-29./v.17, 1Sam.15:24; 16:7, 2Cor.4:18)  To offer a "spiritually sacrifice" that is
          "scabbed," is a blemished  offering and robbing God. (Mal.1:8; 3:8)
      i.  Each offering was to have no "superfluous thing." (Lev.22:22-23)
          "Superfluous"- is to prolong, i.e. (reflex) be deformed by excess of members.  Our "spiritual
          offering must be free of "excess" in our lives. In our walk before the Lord must be in  
          moderation (Phil.4:5 - [appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild] 1Cor.13:4, Matt.23:12,
          1Peter.5:6) or else it is blemished and robbing God. (Mal.1:8; 3:8)     
     d.  Each offering must give off a "sweet smelling savor." (Lev.1:9; 2:2; 3:5, 16; 4:31, 
          Eph.5:1-2, Phil.4:18) Our offering must have the sweet smelling savor of Christ. (Eph.5:1-2,  
          2Cor.2:14-16)
     e.  Each offering must be offered by a "Priest." (Num.1:47-54, Lev.1:9, 15; 2:2; 3:2, 16.
          1Peter.2:5, Rev.1:6)  We become priests when we are born again.
      f.  Each offering must be the atoning blood sacrifice (Lev.1:5; 3:2; 4:4, Col.1:14)  The "meal
          offering" was the only offering that did not have atoning blood, because this offering points to
          our good works (Eph.2:8-10) and giving of material things. (Review the "Meal Offering.")
          ___________________________________________________________________

          Offering "spiritual sacrifices" in the context of God's Word is a vital part of our behavior in 
          the House of God. (1Tim.3:15-16, Eccl.5:1-5)  It is not just "throwing a few bucks in the
          offering plate," to be seen of men. (Matt.6:1)  It is a vital part of our walk before the Lord.
          (Eph.4:1)


5.  What is the "altar" in the New Testament Church?
      Today, most think of "the altar" as being a bench in the front of the Church. However, 
      the "Most High dwelleth not in Temples made with hands."(Acts.7:47-48) There is no sacred 
      property in the New Testament. We are the "holy Temple."(Eph.2:20-22, 1Peter.2:5) We are the
      ground.(2Cor.4:7) The "altar" that God recognizes under the New Covenant (Testament) is
      the Lord Jesus Christ. (Heb.13:10)The altar was the only place of sacrifice. (Lev.17:1-11,
      1Peter.1:18-20)  The altar was the only place where blood was shed to provide atonement. 
      (Lev.17:1-11, Exod.30:9, John.14:6, 1Tim.2:5) Man-made "altar's" could never do this! Even in
      the Tabernacle model, God said that He had "no pleasure" because it could never take away sin.
      (Heb.10:1-10)
    


6.  The "priesthood" offered five primary offerings / sacrifices / oblations.
       a.  The Sin Offering. (Lev.4:1-35)
       b.  The Trespass Offering. (Lev.6:1-7)
      c.  The Burnt Offering. (Lev.1:1-9)
      d.  The Meal (Meat / Food / Grain) Offering. (Lev.2:1-3)
      e.  The Peace Offering. (Lev.3:1-17)

      Note: There were the Heave, Wave and drink Offerings that was offered in conjunction with the 
      five primary offerings. (Lev.7:30-32; 8:27; 23:13)