Some people consider the Old Testament sacrifices irrelevant practices from ancient times. While Christ’s sacrifice made it unnecessary for Christians today to practice physical sacrifices (Hebrews 9:12-14; 10:3-5), we can come to a deeper understanding of our Savior, forgiveness and repentance by studying and understanding them. Many understand that the Old Testament offerings point forward to Jesus and to His sacrifice for our sins. But is there more we can learn from the Levitical sacrifices? Leviticus chapters 1-7 describe five types of offerings.
God instituted a religious calendar for the Israelites to follow. Within each year, there were seven specified feasts (Lev. 23), four in the spring and three each fall. Through these feasts, the Jewish people celebrated their history, their faith, and the blessings of God. Through Jesus' life, the hope of each feast was fulfilled in a dramatic way.