I. The Burnt Offering / sacrifice
The Voluntary Burnt Offering (Present your bodies a living sacrifice Under the Old Testament (Covenant)
the "Burnt Offering" is offered "of his own voluntary will"(Lev.1:9) This is one of the differences between
Sin Offering, and Trespass Offering which were compulsory. Another difference is in how this "Burnt
Offering" was offered. It was offered in consecration and separation, (Num.6:13-21) re-dedication,
being set apart, (Josh.18:31) and humbly asking counsel from God. (Judges.20:26) David, who was "a
man after God's own heart" (Acts.13:22) offered the Burnt Offering when the Ark (i.e. God's presence with them. Exod.25:8-22) was returned. (1Sam.6:15; 10:8; 13:12, 2Sam.6:17, 1Chron.6:1) Solomon dedicated the
Temple with the Burnt Offering. (2Sam.24:24)
A. The reality is "presenting your bodiesa living sacrifice"
The Sin Offering atoned for our sin. The Trespass Offering atones for our faults / trespasses towards
one another and towards God after Salvation. Now the "Burnt offering" foreshadows a separated
and closer walk with God. Your salvation is not dependent of this offering, but your relationship with
God is, whether it is 30, 60 or 100 fold. (Matt.13:23)
1. Paul: "I beseech you therefore brethren"
"I beseech (to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation):1 KJV - beseech,
call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, pray) you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, ("by Jesus
Christ" / our "altar"- Heb.13:10, 1Peter.2:5) that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice..." (Rom.12:1-2)
The purpose is to bring us to maturity (adulthood / perfection) Eph.4:11-16) by presenting ourselves as
a "living sacrifice" (Voluntary Burnt Offering Rom.12:1-2)
a. It is a "freewill" (Voluntary) Offering
Freewilldoes not mean that it doesn't matter if you offer the Burnt Offering or not. It is
saying that God wants even a closer voluntary walk with Him after Salvation (the Sin Offering) as
foreshadowed by the "church in the wilderness." (Note: Chart below) God's purpose for Israel
was not just to deliver them from the bondage of Egypt, (typifying our Salvation / Sin Offering) but
for Israel to remain separated voluntarily (as the Burnt Offering) unto Him and ultimately bringing
them into (Deut.6:23; 12:1-12) the Land, and to the ultimate rest. (i.e. Solomon's Temple.
1Chron.17:9, Eph.2:20-22 )Review: The Conclusion
(1) Liberty (voluntary will) in the "ministration of the Spirit"
Now "the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with
open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed (transformed [Rom.12:1-2]
freely as we offer our "Burnt Offering") into the same image from glory to glory, even as by
the Spirit of the Lord." (2Cor 3:17-18, Rom.8:28-29, Eph.4:11-16) Allow the Spirit of God to "freely"
change you into His image! If you don't you are still saved, but cut YOURSELF off from the
purpose of God. Note the example the children of Israel. (Num.14:1-45, 1Cor.10:1-11) The older
generation (Num.14:26-33) came up "short" (Heb.4:1) of entering the Land, but they were still
God's people and He provided for, and protected them. (Deut.8:3-4)
(2) Jesus said, "follow me"
Jesus who taught Paul says, "he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep...and
the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And
when he putteth (puts) forth his own sheep, he goeth (goes) before them, and the sheep follow
him: for they know his voice." (John.10:2-4)
(3) Paul: We are "helper's" of your joy. (Not to dominate over)
Not "for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye
stand."(2Cor.1:24) Paul said the Corinthian Church, "Be "ye followers of me, even as I also am of
Christ." (1Cor.11:1-2)
b. A "living sacrifice" because there is more after Salvation in our individual walk
(1) The example of the apostle Paul. The apostle Paul (who was Saved, Water baptized and
filled with the Holy Spirit Acts.9:17) wrote that he "might win Christ." (Phil.3:8) This was beyond
his salvation. He said "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling...in Christ Jesus."
(2) The example of the apostle Peter. The apostle Peter wrote to those (saved, born again,
redeemed) "that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and
our Savior Jesus Christ," (2Peter.1:1) that they may be found (beyond their salvation)...without spot, and blameless. (2Peter.3:14-15) This is to be like Jesus "without blemish and without spot." (1Peter.1:18-20) This is coming to the "measure of the Man, Christ Jesus,"
(Review: Phase 2 for explanation of chart)
c. This is same blueprint for the Church "universal"
God's patterns / principle are the same for our personal lives as well as the Church (Universally, the
Church world wide) (Review: Church History and the life of Samson PHASE 2, Page 4, 5, 6)
2. What does present your bodies mean?
"Neither yield your members (your body) [1] as instruments" (Rom.6:1-11) There is a "consecration"
(sanctification, dedication) after Salvation. There is a "putting off of the old man." after Salvation.
(Eph.4:22-25) There is a removing of "spots...wrinkles" that we would be "holy (sanctified / separate)
and without blemish."(Eph.5:27) There is a battle of the flesh that " lusteth against the Spirit."
(Gal.5:17) There is a conflict a against the flesh. (bodies) Eph.6:12-18)
a. We are Spirit, Soul and Body
Paul prayed that "the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and
soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Thes.5:23-24)
(1) Our spirit (This is the real you - 1Cor.2:11)
Our spirit was "born again" when we were saved."Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; (your
natural birth) and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Your spiritual birth. (John.3:5-6)
(2) Our Soul (Your mind - Rom.12:1-2)
This is our mind, will and emotions.[2](Heb.4:12,2Pet.2:8) This is what is being renewed as we
offer ourselves as a "living sacrifice." (A Burnt Offering of our our "own voluntary will"- Lev.1:9,
Rom.12:1-2) Note: We walked according to the desires of the flesh and mind, because our
spirit was dead in trespass and sin. (Eph.2:1-19) This is why in the Old Testament it is "soul,"
nothing about our spirit because Jesus had not paid the price to redeem us yet.
(3) Our Body (Your flesh, humanity)
Do not yield yourselves as instruments of unrighteousness. "Reckon... yourselves to be dead
indeed unto sin. (Rom.6:1-11)
3. Watch out for the counterfeit Burnt Offering Offering!
The god of this world's counterfeit "Burnt Offering" (2Cor.4:4, Isa.14:14) is the dedicating yourself to
all kinds of causes. (Note: 1Cor.13:1-3) Many think that this will get you to heaven because of all of your
dedication. Any "burnt offering" that ignores the true Altar, the sacrifice of Christ, the shedding of
Christ's blood, the sweet smelling savor and has any blemish, is another Jesus.
II. There are standard requirements for each offering
The children of Israel called "the Church in the wilderness," (Acts.7:38) and their typical actions were "for
our (The Church, the Body of Christ - Eph.1:22-23, Col.1:18) ensamples: (types) and they are written for our
admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (1Cor.10:1-11, Rom.15:4) The reality or the
fulfillment (Matt.5:17-19, Rom.3:31, Heb.9:1-26) of these standards are the same for the Church today.
A. The Burnt Offering was consumed by fire!
God's Word is a "fire!" Is not "my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh
the rock in pieces?" (Jer 23:29, 1Cor.3:13-15)
1. Holy Spirit and fire / purge
John said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me...he shall
baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge
his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
(Matt.3:11-13) For "the day" (the day of atonement) shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire;
and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." (1Cor.3:13-15)
2. Fire / trial / Proving
Beloved, "think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange
thing happened unto you:" (1 Peter 4:12-13) It is all part of the preparation to be the Bride. Don't
jump off the altar when the heat is on. (i.e. when the Holy Spirit convicts you. John.16:7-16)
B. The Burnt Offering was placed on the only altar
Today, many 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) However, He does dwell within the reality /
pattern / principles of the Altar. 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) God's Blessing and holiness is
only there because we are there. (2Cor.15-16) Note: The example of Joseph. "The Lord blessed the
Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house,
and in the field." (Gen.39:5)
1. The "altar" points to Jesus
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)
2. Warning given to not offer upon "another" altar!
"Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you,
that offereth a burnt offering of sacrifice, And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the
congregation, to offer it unto the Lord; even that man shall be cut off from among his people." (Lev
17:8-9)
3. 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) Your "trespass offering" must be upon the Altar of the Lord Jesus Christ
C. The Burnt Offering required sacrifice and the shedding of blood
Our justification before God is always through the atoning blood of the The Lord Jesus Christ. Adam
and Eve "sewed fig leaves," (Gen.3:7) but God slew an animal and covered their sin with "coats of skin"
(Gen.3:21, Heb.4:13)
D. The Burnt Offering required the sweetsmelling odor
Every offering was to have "a sweet savour unto the Lord." (Gen.8:21, Lev.1:9; 2:2; 3:5; 4:31) "Christ...
hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." (Eph.5:1-2,
2Cor.2:15) Your "Burnt Offering" must have the "preeminence" of a "sweetsmelling savor of Christ
E. Only the priests could offer the Burnt Offering
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 that 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) If you are
not a priest your "Burnt Offering" is for nothing.
F. This Burnt Offering can have no blemishes
This is what the Prophet Malachi was speaking to the House of Judah. He prophesied "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." (Mal 1:7-8) This was robbing God! (Mal.3:8)
1. The list of Blemishes that causes a offering to be rejected
Whatsoever "hath a blemish, that 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 vow, or a freewill
offering in beeves 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 a freewill offering;
but for a vow it shall not be accepted. Ye shall not offer...that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken,
or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land." (Lev.22:19-27)
Note: Neither from a stranger's(Eph.2:11-19) hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of
these; because their corruption is in them, and blemishes be in them: they shall not be accepted for
you." (Lev.22:26-29) Also the Priests could have no "Blemishes" either. (Lev.21:16-24)
a. "Blindness" (lack of understanding) is a blemish (Lev.22:21-23 / Matt.5:17-19, Rom.3:21-31)
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.
b. The Burnt Offering must not be "broken" (Lev.22:22-23 / Matt.5:17-19, Rom.3:21-31)
Faithfulness. (Prov.25:19, James.4:1-4 / 2Cor,11:3 / Matt.1:18-25) To offer any of these five
offerings (Lev.1-5) 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 .
c. The Burnt Offering must not be "Maimed" (Lev.22:22-23 / Matt.5:17-19, Rom.3:21-31)
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 of the capability for service or of strength, efficiency, or wholeness.
d. The Burnt Offering have a "wen" (Lev.22:22-23 / Matt.5:17-19, Rom.3:21-31)
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.
e. The Burnt Offering must not have "scurvy" (Lev.22:22-23 / Matt.5:17-19, Rom.3:21-31)
The word "Scurvy" is from an unused root meaning to scratch;[ to scrape or rub oneself
lightly (as to relieve itching) scurf (from itching) 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)
f. The Burnt Offering must not be "scabbed" (Lev.22:22-23 / Matt.5:17-19, Rom.3:21-31)
"Scabbed"- is to stick or scrape; scurf [thin dry scales detached from the epidermis especially
in an abnormal skin condition; specifically : dandruff [3] or tetter [any of various vesicular skin
diseases (as ringworm,[4] eczema,[5] and herpes[6] 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)
g. The Burnt Offering was to have no "superfluous thing" (Lev.22:22-23 / Matt.5:17-19)
"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)
III. Applying the reality of the "Burnt Offering" today
If we "draw nigh to God" (James.4:8) "through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition
of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ," (Col.2:8-9, Mal.1:6-10; 3:8) we are
offering a blemished "Burnt Offering"
A. What is "philosophy?"
"Philosophy", i.e. (specifically) Jewish sophistry:1 [a method of argumentation that seems clever but
is actually flawed or dishonest. In our "Trespass Offering" there must be honesty, (a transparency) that
only comes from understanding (Eph.1:18) the Word of God.
B. What is "vain deceit?"
Our "Burnt Offering" cannot be deluded by the wisdom of man. (James.3:13-18) We must follow the
pattern the Jesus gave. (Matt.5:23-24; 18:18:15-22)
C. What is "the tradition of men?"
Tradition is a ordinance (something regularly done because it is formally prescribed) of man. Jesus
said that these ordinances (traditions) make "the word of God (i.e. "Burnt Offering") of none effect."
(Mark.7:13-14)
D. What is "the rudiments of the world?"
Rudiments [7] is a element, principle, rudiment of the world. John writes "For all that is in the world, the
lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
(1John. 2:16-17)
Note: In the New Testament "ministration of the Spirit," (2Cor.3:1-18, Note.v8) this blemish can be
washed away by the "water of the Word." (Eph.5:26-27) If we don't then this blemished Trespass
Offering will bring the same response from the Spirit as it did in Malachi's day. God said, "I have no
pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts, neither will I accept an offering (the Trespass Offering) at your
hand." (Mal.1:10)
To be continued...
PHASE 4, Other Related Subjects (Burnt Offering)
This Burnt offering is a voluntary beyond our salvation. The Sin Offering is compulsory, there is
no option. The Sin Offering is a heaven or hell issue
Burnt Offering