This chapter further describes the temple and the new altar that is to be built.
” ‘…On the day when [the altar] is erected… you shall take some of [a bull’s] blood and put it on the four horns of the altar… You shall also take the bull of the sin offering, and it shall be burned… When you have finished purifying [the altar], you shall offer a bull from the herd without blemish and a ram from the flock without blemish… and offer them up as a burnt offering to the Lord. For seven days you shall [repeat this]… And when they have completed these days, then from the eighth day onward the priests shall offer on the altar your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, and I will accept you…’ ” (v18-27 abr)
Assuming this temple and altar are for the Millennial Kingdom, why would sin sacrifices be necessary? Didn’t Jesus pay the penalty for sin through His death and resurrection on the cross? Yes, of course He did, so these ‘sin sacrifices’ logically can’t be for atonement.
Just like in the OT, these animal sacrifices do not pay the penalty for sin. Our human actions (works), even when they’re done through obedience to God, cannot cleanse our sin. When the OT people offered sacrifices, those offerings did not pardon their sin, it was God who forgave them for the penitent states of their hearts. Their sin sacrifices also pointed the way to Jesus’ future sacrifice. When the temple is rebuilt in the future, these sacrifices will be in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice (similar to the Lord’s supper). God primarily looks at people’s hearts, not at their actions alone.
God alone has the power to forgive us of our sin, and He does this when we repent (confess our sin, take responsibility for it, and turn toward Him as our God / King / Lord, with the desire obey Him). All sin sacrifices – past, present and future – remind us of Jesus’ ultimate redeeming sacrifice, and help posture our hearts.
Father God, our Forgiving Lord and Gracious King, you have lovingly redeemed us through Jesus’ generous sacrifice. Thank you for instituting reminders of Your redeeming work in our lives. Thank you for Your indwelling Spirit who seeks to keep us humble and obedient to You. Thank you for helping us remain Your joyful servants, and being Christlike examples to our neighbors. May we honor You with every word and action, each and every day, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training