What do the offerings symbolize? The burnt offering and the sin offering – Lev. 5:1-13 and Eze. 46:20

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The burnt offering was a sin offering, and many Bible students do not make a distinction between this and the customary sin offering. It appears that the Bible sometimes uses the terms “sin offering” and “burnt offering” interchangeably as seen in Leviticus 5:1-13. In such as Ezekiel 46:20, they are indicated as being different offerings. If one looks at the symbolism and the purpose of this offering, we see that there is not only overlapping between them but, also distinguishing characteristics that give this offering a different dimension and meaning. The blood of the burnt offering was sprinkled around the altar. This sprinkling of blood around the altar as well as at the foot of the altar can also be seen as the intercession for incidental sins of which the transgressor was unaware. The transgressor could then unknowingly come to stand before God and run the risk of destruction. The blood of the sin offering was smeared onto the four horns of the altar. (The four corners symbolise God’s invitation of salvation that stretches to the furthest corners of the globe – the four wind directions.) It is also commonly accepted that the burnt offering was sacrificed for the following reasons: 1. Purification of those who had leprosy (Lev. 14:19,20) 2. Purification of women who had given birth (Lev. 12:6-8) 3. Purification of all impurities (Lev. 15:15,30) 4. Dedication of Aaron and his sons (Ex. 29:15-25; Lev. 8:18) In all cases, it was symbolic of the complete surrender of the individual to God. The symbolism of the burnt offering: Some experts are of the opinion that each part of the animal’s body was a representation of various aspects of the individual’s life. The head is the well-known symbol of the thoughts. The legs, the symbol of daily life. The innards are the symbol of the feelings and passions of the heart. The fat represents the health and vigour of the individual as a whole. The washing or cleansing of the innards and hoofs pointed to the need for spiritual cleansing, not only in the actions of the individual but also in his/her desires. As a whole, all these practices/sacraments revealed the quality of our Lord’s life. His feelings, thoughts, activities, and total life were surrendered to God. This was a freewill offering and this stressed the fact that only when the individual willingly surrenders him- or herself to God, his or her life will be sweet and acceptable to the Lord.