A Voice In The Wilderness - Canada Animal Sacrific Index
| Genesis 4: | 2: ... And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3: And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4: And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: |
Since Adam's day generations of believers have sacrificed animals as anexpression of faith and a means of reconciliation. (Gen.8:20-21, 12:7, 13:18) But whose idea was it in the first place? Was it man's idea, or was it God's? Strange as it may seem it was God's idea. The Almighty had diligently instructed man that he would not receive forgiveness or blessing if he did not approach Him with the blood of a sacrifice. So down through the ages many thousands of animals were sacrificed as a means of access to Yahweh's holy presence. Later, again by divine decree, animal sacrifices were included in the laws given to Israel through Moses: but with a difference:
Failure to meet these basic requirements would prove disastrous for the person involved. So in the course of time, millions of animals and birds were slain by Israel's priests and Levites as part of the worship installed by YAHWEH the Almighty God of Israel. It was a ghastly, bloody drama to say the least; and it went on year after year for many centuries.
To be sure Yahweh commanded it; but what did it mean? Why did a God of love design such a bloody and costly route to His presence? What did the blood of an innocent animal have to do with obtaining mercy? What mysterious lessons did the Creator have in mind which could not be taught in any other way? More importantly, are believers today expected to sacrifice animals before they can approach His holy throne?
These are questions which need answering, especially in Africa where to this day many Christian groups sacrifice bulls, goats, rams and pigeons as part of their worship of the Most High. Are their sacrifices in line with Bible requirements? Is there something they know that the Christians in Europe and the USA do not? Or have their leaders misunderstood the role of the Aaronic Priesthood and the all-encompassing sacrifice of Jesus and are making unnecessary, yea unauthorized sacrifices which amount to a denial of the Christian faith? This online booklet aims to answer these questions by briefly explaining the following:
A Voice In The Wilderness - Canada Animal Sacrific Index