Even today, the Jewish people, who follow Judaism, still offer purification sacrifices. But are these valid—that is, are they acceptable to God? Let’s take a look.

The constant sacrifice prescribed in the Law of Moses—which was given to him through the mediation of angels—was a type or metaphor pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. And it came to an end when that which was a type was fulfilled through His sacrifice.

As a biblical text states, Jesus’ sacrifice was a perfect sacrifice, which He offered with His blood on behalf of sinners; His blood was the price that purchased for God people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. Rev. 5:9.

With Jesus’ sacrifice, the practice of animal sacrifice ceased. And this had already been foretold; see:

“Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who takes a man’s life; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who slits a dog’s throat; whoever offers a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever burns incense as a memorial offering is like one who blesses an idol; these also choose their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations.” Isaiah 66:3.

The apostle Paul adds: “I say, then, that the things the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:20.

Now, the Jewish people ceased to be God’s people long ago, ever since they rejected Jesus as their king and declared this to Pilate. John 19:15. And the true Israelite is the one who keeps God’s Law, given to be obeyed by every person. Ecclesiastes 12:13. The Israel of the flesh is not the Israel of the Spirit. See:

“For a Jew is not one who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But a Jew is one who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” Rom. 2:28–29.

The Egyptians performed the same type of sacrifice with birds as Jews do today. Archaeologists have found thousands of vessels depicting birds, remnants of Egyptian sacrifices. These were modeled after what the people of Israel did when the sacrifice of a young dove was required.

Since the people of Israel—more precisely, Jews who follow Judaism—do not follow biblical teachings but only what the rabbis select for them to follow, primarily traditions,

they fail to see what God has provided for those who wish to be submissive to true biblical doctrine. Thus, they remain on the surface and do not plunge into the ocean of the Spirit.

As Peter said on the day of Pentecost, “Repent, then, and be converted, so that your sins may be blotted out, and times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. And may He send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you beforehand. He must remain in heaven until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke through the mouth of all His holy prophets from the beginning. For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers; you shall listen to everything he tells you. And it shall come to pass that every soul who does not listen to that prophet will be cut off from among the people.” Acts 3:19–23.

Oli Prestes
Missionary