We have heard it said that Jesus Christ was the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the human race. We have heard it said that only through this sacrifice can we truly have our sins forgiven. Why is this true? Why and how did Jesus Christ become the complete and perfect sacrifice?

To answer this question, we need to understand a little something about sacrifice. Where did sacrifices originate, and where is the first recorded act of sacrifice. We typically think of Cain and Abel when we think of the first instance of sacrifice. We are, however, forgetting about God's sacrifice prior to Cain and Abel. Allow me to elaborate.

When Adam and Eve ate of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they realized their state of nakedness. This is symbolic of their frailty and sinfulness. Throughout all the Bible nakedness and shame go hand in hand as a symbol of uncovered sins. Adam and Eve tried to cover up their sinfulness by sowing together some fig leaves. This was insufficient. It took the sacrifice of God destroying the life of an innocent party, an animal, to create coats to cover up their sinfulness. This, of course, is symbolic of the complete and perfect sacrifice of Christ. This is what sacrifice is. It is the covering of sin.

We have so many Bible stories allude to this fact. Remember Joshua, the priest, in the book of Zechariah who was standing before God accused by Satan for being stained. Remember how God removed the old filthy and soiled garments of Joshua and robed him with a clean and pure robe. Remember those that were given robes of white because of their endurance in John's Revelation. Clothes have long been used to represent God's covering of our sinfulness. On a side note, it makes me wonder what it represents to God when we as a society begin to wear less and less clothing for the sake of fashion trends. Perhaps, it is a sign of our diminishing sense of sinfulness and our increasing sense of self-righteousness.

Sacrifice, then, is the covering of sin. The question remains how was Christ the complete and perfect sacrifice?

I want to turn your attention to the book of Leviticus chapters one through seven. In this book, God gives the Israelites five different sacrifices. In these sacrifices, five different aspects of Christ's sacrifice is typified. For example, the burnt offering represented complete dedication to God. The whole animal was engulfed in flames and devoted to God. In the same way, Christ gave Himself wholeheartedly to God. While in the garden of Gethsemane, Christ prayed “not my will, but thy will be done.”

The meal offering represented perfection and freedom from impurities, because there was to be no leaven in the meal offering. Christ, of course, also was free of impurities. There was no sin in His steps. (Heb 4:15 ; 7:26)

The peace offering represented fellowship with God. This sacrifice was voluntary and was the only sacrifice where the worshiper was allowed to eat of the sacrifice symbolizing sharing in God's inheritance. In the same way, Christ was a peace offering for our sins and allows us to be reconciled back to God. (Col 1:20 ; Eph 2:13-17 )

The sin offering represented atonement, the covering of sin. This covering ought not be confused with sweeping sin under a rug. No, the sin was judged and the sentence was carried out. Christ became sin for us and fulfilled this sacrifice for ever more. (2 Cor 5:21 )

The trespass offering represented payment for sin. This is different from the sin offering in that it required restitution. Christ completed this with His sacrifice. Do you remember when He cried, “It is finished?” (Matt 20:28 ) That literally meant, “It is paid in full.” The debt is paid for ever more! (Col 2:13-14 )

Thank God for giving us clothing to cover our sinfulness in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ! If, however, you have not believed in this good news of such a complete and perfect sacrifice and have not been obedient to this good news, you are still in your sins. Take hold of this great sacrifice and be obedient to the gospel! (Rom 6:17 ; Acts 2:38 )