Lesson 6: Understanding Sacrifice

[Chief]

Lesson 6: Understanding Sacrifice

Memory Text:
“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation’ ” (Revelation 5:9, NKJV).

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[Chief]

Revelation 5:9 celebrates Christ, the slain Lamb, whose sacrifice redeems all nations. This lesson explores sacrifice as central to biblical prophecy and worship, contrasting human rituals with God’s redemptive act of grace.

Key Themes and Daily Insights:​

1. Sunday: Futile Sacrifices?
   • Cain’s self-centered offering (Genesis 4:3-7) contrasts with Abel’s faith-driven sacrifice (Hebrews 11:4). True worship requires humility and obedience, not mere ritual (Isaiah 1:2-15; Psalm 51:17). Cain’s pride led to rejection, teaching that worship must honor God, not self.
2. Monday: The Blood of Bulls and Goats
   • Animal sacrifices (Hebrews 10:3-10) symbolized Christ’s ultimate sacrifice (John 1:29). These “types” (symbols) foreshadowed the “antitype” (fulfillment) in Jesus. The torn temple veil (Mark 15:38) marked the end of ritual sacrifices, as Christ’s death fulfilled their purpose.
3. Tuesday: The Passover Lamb
   • Jesus’ crucifixion during Passover (Exodus 12:1-11) affirmed Him as the “Lamb without blemish” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Revelation’s 30 references to the Lamb highlight His sacrificial role. As the “last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45), Christ reversed the first Adam’s failure, offering redemption openly to all (John 18:20).
4. Wednesday: Jesus at the Temple
   • The second temple’s glory (Haggai 2:7-9) lay in Jesus’ presence (Matthew 1:23). Despite His rejection by many nations, His incarnation as “God with us” embodied divine humility, bridging heaven and humanity.
5. Thursday: For You Created All Things!
   • Visions of God’s throne (Isaiah 6; Revelation 4) reveal His holiness and human unworthiness. Sacrifice underscores God’s holiness and humanity’s need for grace. Isaiah and John’s awe (Isaiah 6:5; Revelation 5:4) remind us to approach God with reverence and gratitude.

Final Thoughts (Friday):​

Sacrifice is the heart of prophecy and redemption. Ellen White’s insight—Christ rescuing humanity from “depths of misery”—captures the Gospel’s essence. Understanding sacrifice transforms lives: gratitude for Christ’s love compels us to love others. Prophecy’s ultimate aim is not mere knowledge but a life marked by worship, humility, and mission.

Reject empty ritual; embrace Christ’s sacrifice as the foundation of faith. Let His holiness inspire repentance, and His love motivate service. In a world of futile human efforts, His sacrifice remains the only path to redemption.