Lecture Notes: 119 Ministries Teaching on Animal Sacrifices and the Torah

Introduction

• 119 Ministries believes the entire Bible is relevant today.
• Topic: The ongoing relevance and role of animal sacrifices in the Torah.
• Common questions arise about animal sacrifices, especially regarding their role in current theology.

Biblical Foundation

• Matthew 5:17-20: Yeshua affirms the ongoing authority of the Torah.
• Genesis 3: Sin separated man from God.
• Revelation 21: Promise of a new heaven and earth where God dwells with man.

Purpose of Animal Sacrifices

• Main Purpose: To draw near to God; derived from the Hebrew word "Corbin."
• Historical Context: Necessary for Israelites to commune with God in the tabernacle or temple.
• Requirements for Sacrifices:
  • Must be without blemish (Leviticus 1:2-4).
  • Rituals involved laying hands on the animal, signifying transfer of identity.

Theological Significance

• Holiness and Sin: God’s holiness cannot coexist with sin.
  • Exodus 40: Even Moses couldn't enter the tabernacle when God's glory filled it.
• Propitiatory and Expiatory Functions:
  • Averted God's wrath, cleansed impurity, and reconciled God and man.
  • Hebrews 10: Animal sacrifices cannot take away sins in an ultimate sense.

New Testament Perspective

• Yeshua's Teachings: Reinforced the validity of the Torah and animal sacrifices (Mark 1).
• Post-Resurrection Practices: Apostles participated in temple services post-resurrection (Acts 2, 3, 21).
• Hebrews Insight: Animal sacrifices are shadows pointing to Yeshua's sacrifice.
  • They functioned to cleanse the flesh, not purify the conscience.

Future of Animal Sacrifices

• Millennial Reign: Prophecies in Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and Malachi indicate future sacrifices.
• Jeremiah 33: God's covenant with the Levitical priesthood is enduring.

Current Practice & Conclusion

• Reason for Not Performing Sacrifices Today:
  • Deuteronomy 12: Sacrifices must be done in Jerusalem.
  • No functioning temple or priesthood currently exists.
• Future Expectation:
  • Sacrifices will be restored in the Millennial reign.
  • Current obedience involves not performing sacrifices without the proper framework.

Final Thoughts

• Animal Sacrifices and Yeshua's Sacrifice:
  • They do not detract from Yeshua’s sacrifice.
  • Serve as a foreshadow and reinforce the method of God’s forgiveness.

Support and Further Study

• Encouragement to support 119 Ministries for further teachings.
• Visit testeverything.net for more resources.