In our study of the feasts we found that during these gatherings various types of sacrifices were to be offered to God. In this section of our study we will find that these sacrifices had a specific meaning and purpose for the time of the Old Testament. In addition, we will discover these sacrifices also served as foreshadowings to teach us about the Messiah, that is Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice He made on the cross when, on our behalf, He offered Himself to God the Father.

Since there were five types of sacrifices established by the ceremonial law, Part II of this volume is composed of the following five chapters.

This sacrifice was one of the required offerings demanded by the ceremonial law. When a person or the congregation came to the realization they had sinned they were to offer a sacrifice for forgiveness of their sin. We will find that this was also a foreshadowing to teach us about the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on our behalf for the forgiveness of our sins.

The trespass offering was the last required offering of the Mosaic Law. This offering was to be given when a person trespassed with regard to the holy things of God or trespassed against another individual with respect to their possessions (such as theft). In addition to presenting this offering to God, the ceremonial law also required that restitution be made to either the priest or the victim. We will discover that this offering was also a foreshadowing to show that in addition for the forgiveness of our sins, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross also frees our conscience from the guilt of our sin. In other words, through His sacrifice restitution has been made.

These offerings were an expression of thanksgiving to God for providing food to sustain the life of the Israelite. As we examine these offerings we will discover a great foreshadowing. Specifically, these offerings also point to the time when the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ, would come to offer His body and Blood for the forgiveness of our sins so we could receive eternal life with Him.

For this offering the entire animal was presented, via, fire to God. Its purpose was to symbolize total and complete dedication and commitment to God. We will find that within the burnt offering there are two great foreshadowings: (1) Jesus Christ and His relationship with God the Father and (2) the relationship that those who are born again of the Holy Spirit are to have with Christ Jesus and God the Father.

This was the one offering or sacrifice that was shared in fellowship with God, the priests and family of the person providing the offering. This sacrifice was also established to teach us that through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins we are now at peace with God. Consequently, we have true fellowship with Him.