Animals, Colors, Metals, Numbers and Signs in Scripture.

Seven - Completion

Seven Spiritual Sacrifices

Just as the scriptures teach that there were seven sacrifices under the old law covenant, so they also teach that there are seven spiritual sacrifices.  Under the old law covenant the children of Israel had a High Priest and a priesthood consisting of the sons of the high priest.  The High Priest and the priests offered the sacrifices under the law.

Today we have a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec.  He is Jesus Christ.  There is also a priesthood under the covenant of grace.  Rev. 1:5 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 

The ones that have been made kings and priests are the same ones that have their sins washed in the blood of Christ.  Thus, the elect who are born of the Spirit of God are the ones that are to offer up the spiritual sacrifices as priesthood unto God.  According to 1 Pet. 2:4 "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." 

The seven spiritual sacrifices we are to offer up unto God are:

    1.  the sacrifice of faith.  Phil. 2:17 "Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all."

    2.  the sacrifice of righteousness.  Deu. 33:19 "They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand."   Psa 4:5 "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD."  Psa 51:19 "Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar."

    3.  the sacrifice of a broken spirit.  Psa 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

    4.  the sacrifice of thanksgiving.  Psa 107:22 "And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing."  Psa 116:17 "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD."

    5.  the sacrifice of praise.  Psa 54:6 "I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good."  Jer 33:11 "The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD."  Heb 13:15 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."

    6.  the sacrifice of doing good.  Heb. 13:16 "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." 

    7.  the sacrifice of communicating to the needs of others.  Heb. 13:16 "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."  Phil 4:14 "Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction."  1 Tim 6:18 "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate."

When we walk by faith and not by sight we are offering the sacrifice of faith.  When we do what is right in the sight of God we are offering the sacrifices of righteousness.  When we are humbled to the knowledge of our sinfulness and mourn over our sin we are offering the sacrifice of a broken spirit.  When we give thanks unto God for his mercy and for his love and for his deliverances we are offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving.  When we sing praises to his great and holy name we are offering the sacrifice of praise.  When we do good in the sight of the Lord we are offering the sacrifice of doing good.  When we communicate to the needs of others we are offering the sacrifice of communicating.  As the priesthood of God we have the privilege and the duty to offer these seven spiritual sacrifices.