Why God’s Plan of Redemption Began with a Sacrifice
1. Introduction
Begins with a question.
Why was the very first piece of furniture inside the Tabernacle the Brazen Altar?
Was it placed there simply because it was convenient?
Or was God revealing something far greater?
Every Priests who entered God’s Tabernacle Courtyard encountered the altar first.
That was no accident.
The Brazen Altar teaches us that before there could be cleansing…
Before there could be worship…
Before the Priest could approach God’s presence…
There first had to be a sacrifice.
Centuries later, that sacrifice would find its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
2. The Brazen Altar
Whether it was a burnt offering,
a sin offering,
or another sacrifice commanded under the Law, they all had one thing in common—an innocent life was given in the place of the guilty.
God declared,
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood…”
(Leviticus 17:11)
Blood was never the end of the story.
It was pointing forward to the day when Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, would shed His blood once for all.
3. Jesus Christ Is the Fulfillment
John looked at Jesus and declared,
“Behold the Lamb of God…”
John 1:29
Isaiah 53
Hebrews 9
Hebrews 10
Everything points toward Calvary.
4. Why Repentance Comes Next
The sacrifice came first.
Then…
The sinner responds.
Repentance does not provide salvation.
Repentance responds to the sacrifice God has already provided.
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth His love…”
The cross came first.
Our response follows.
5. Application
Every one of us must begin where God begins.
At the altar.
Not at good works.
Not at church membership.
Not at religious tradition.
At Jesus Christ.
Only after receiving His sacrifice can we truly repent and begin walking with Him.
6. Closing
Next time…
We’ll leave the Brazen Altar…
And walk over to the Brazen Laver.
Why was washing absolutely necessary before entering farther into God’s presence?
We’ll search the Scriptures together.