February 15, 2003(15)
THE LORD WILL NOT ACCEPT ANIMAL SACRIFICES. His feelings and attitude are amply expressed, even in the Old Testament. Hear the Word of the Lord. The following is as powerful a < THUS SAITH THE LORD > and a prophetic voice as any that may be expressed. The Lord said concerning the multitudinous of sacrifices, < WHAT ARE THEY TO ME? > NIV. I am full, I have had sufficient. I have no pleasure, I delight not in them. Isa. 1:11. Bring NO MORE, vain and meaningless offerings. Your incense is an abomination, detestable to me. Cease your special, holy days, they are iniquity, evil unto me. I hate them, I am weary of them. When your hands are spread in prayer, I will not hear, I will hide my eyes from seeing you. Your hands are filled with blood. Isa 1:13-15 They are commanded to wash, be clean, have a changed attitude. Reason with the Lord and He will receive them. Only repentance and the acceptance of the way of the Lord is acceptable in His sight. Isa. 1:16-18
HEAR AND CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE THOUGHTS OF THE LORD. These ARE HIS THOUGHTS CONCERNING ANIMAL SACRIFICES. That which was acceptable under the LAW is NO LONGER to be offered nor is it permissible, or pleasing to the Lord. The slaying of an ox as a sacrifice to the Lord is EQUAL to murder. The presentation and slaying of a lamb, is paramount to cutting off a dogs neck as a sacrifice. This too is totally unacceptable and is most reprehensible to the Lord. Those bringing a gift, under the Law, are offering the blood of a swine to the Lord, how repulsive to Him. The burning of incense, in any religion, is compared to the worship of an idol. To practice any of these is obnoxious in the fullest degree to the Lord. It is a declaration of the rebellion of their hearts and a choice, by them, of ignoring the Lord and doing their own thing. They have chosen to work their own abominations before the Lord. Isa. 66:3
ANIMAL SACRIFICES < CAN NEVER > TAKE AWAY OUR SINS. How futile to even believe and teach that they can in any way be effective in the removal of sin, when they never have. Note the < can never > of Hebrews ten. The priesthood stood daily offering the same sacrifices but they were in vain. For they can never take away sins. Heb. 10:11 The decades of continuous offerings, under the Law were futile, for their offerings yearly, year after year, < can never > bring them to perfection. Heb. 10:1 The OLD is to be replaced by the NEW covenant. The Old has been liquidated, never to be reinstated. The OLD has been proven ineffective and lacking the ability to forgive and cleanse man from sin. The NEW has been activated and is busy producing eternal life in all those who believe and put their trust in the true sacrifice of God, the Fathers only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus.Heb. 8:13 The NEW is administered by a more excellent ministry, the Lord Jesus. The NEW is by far the better covenant, it is effectively producing eternal life in those who accept it. Its promises are not only better but they are the very best. None better could be made. Heb. 8:8