Sacrifice Of Praise

September 2020 — Grace & Truth Magazine


Sacrifice Of Praise

For of those beasts whose blood is carried as sacrifices for sin into the holy of holies by the high priest, of these the bodies are burned outside the camp ... By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually to God, that is, the fruit of the lips confessing His name. —Hebrews 13:11,15 JND

A sin offering had to be brought before an Israelite could enter into the good of a burnt offering and ultimately the good of the golden altar inside the tabernacle, which speaks of worship. When the blood of that offering was to be applied in the holiest of all, the animal had to be burned outside the camp. This is a beautiful illustration of what Christ has done for us. He died outside Jerusalem, yet His blood speaks for us before God’s throne. All our sins – past, present and future – have been dealt with by this perfect sin offering: the Lord Jesus Christ.

The worshiper who brought the offering laid his hands on the animal to be sacrificed. This is identification. Christ offered Himself up to God the Father in submission in a most perfect way so that God was glorified. In acknowledgment of the sacrifice, God exalted His Son and gave Him a name above every name. Now the believer is identified with that Man in the glory.

With the knowledge of sins forgiven, the Israelite could enter into the blessings of the brazen altar. The result was worship – worship in the good of knowing that sins have been dealt with to the extent that there is no more conscience of sin. Through identification with Christ we become partakers of His perfect obedience and devotion! We may now bring the fruit of the lips continually, not only on Lord’s Day morning but always, being occupied with the Lord of glory who once was dead and now lives for evermore. As we thank the Lord for our salvation daily, the habit of praising and worshiping the Lord for what He is will develop. Let us mention that wonderful name in the Father’s ear. The sweet perfume that will rise from our hearts is well pleasing to Him.

By Klaas Rot