The following articles are related to the topic of SACRIFICE

Why Was Cain’s Sacrifice Rejected?

"Did God reject Cain's sacrifice simply because he did not 'give his best' or was it because it was not a blood sacrifice like Abel's? Did God require an animal sacrifice (blood sacrifice) on this occasion?" The record of Cain's rejected sacrifice reads: "And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ... read more »

Jehovah’s Witnesses and Blood Transfusions

Most people are aware that for more than half a century the "Jehovah's Witnesses" have vigorously opposed the medical practice of blood transfusions. In a number of well-documented cases, the "Witnesses" have allowed family members die, rather than permitting a transfusion to save their lives. Though the sincerity of these folks can scarcely be questioned, they have a zeal without ... read more »

The Blood of Christ Across the Centuries

John the baptizer introduced Jesus Christ as "the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29). In the concluding book of the New Testament, the apostle John depicts the Lord as "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Rev. 13:8, KJV, ASVfn). "From the foundation of the world" means that the death of ... read more »

Flesh and Blood Did Not Reveal It

About six months before his death, in the northern region of Palestine near Caesarea-Philippi, Christ asked his disciples a probing question. "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" Various answers were given-Elijah, Jeremiah, John the Baptizer, or simply "one of the prophets." The Lord then inquired: "Who do you say that I am?" Peter responded: "You are ... read more »

What Was the Nature of Cain’s Sin?

We were discussing Cain's sacrifice in Genesis 4 in class recently, and some suggested that Cain's "vegetable" offering was what God wanted, but Cain just did not give his "best." My answer was that he and Abel should have offered the same thing (i.e., an animal sacrifice); however, I cannot prove that to be so. Though there is no explicit ... read more »

Can I Still Be Saved If I’ve Sinned Deliberately?

What does Hebrews 10:26 mean when it says that there is no sacrifice for sins if we deliberately sin? Does this mean I cannot be saved if I deliberately sin after becoming a Christian? The following passage has struck terror into the heart of many a poor soul: For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of ... read more »

Did Paul Sin in Submitting to the Temple Ritual?

"Did Paul sin when he 'purified' himself in the Jerusalem temple, according to the record in Acts 21?" Here is Luke's record of the incident in question. "Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them went into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one ... read more »

The Last Supper

One of the most universally recognized paintings is Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. Amazingly, this masterpiece is more than 500 years old. Though artistic styles change, this artistic wonder still intrigues the mind's eye. Da Vinci's talent is undisputed, but his brilliance certainly was enhanced by the depiction of a great moment in human history - when Jesus instituted ... read more »

The Crimson Flow

The inspired writer of Hebrews affirmed that "apart from the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (9:22). This sacred text either states, or implies, several things: There is a human condition known as "sin" (cf. vv. 26,28).That condition requires "forgiveness."There is a divine plan by which that forgiveness is obtained.Somehow, that plan involves the shedding of blood. From the ... read more »

What Is Propitiation?

The English "propitiation" is from Latin, meaning "favorable, gracious, kind" or "render favorable." The first attested use of this term is in a Latin translation of the Scriptures. The Latin form propitiatorium was employed to translate the Greek word, hilasterion, which is found 22 times in the Greek translation of the Old Testament. Interestingly, hilasterion was used in the LXX ... read more »