THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The redemptive suffering of Christ is profound, and the law further elucidates the significance of His sacrifice. When presenting a peace offering, whether it be from cattle, male or female, it must be made without blemish and brought to the Lord. The offerer is to place their hand on the head of the offering and kill it at the entrance of the tabernacle; the priests, the sons of Aaron, are then to sprinkle the blood around the altar. From this peace offering, specific portions are to be given to the Lord: the fat covering the inner organs, the kidney fat, and portions from the liver, which are to be separated and offered upon the altar alongside the burnt offering, creating a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
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This applies whether the offering is a lamb or goat, as every sacrificial act must adhere to the requirement that the animal be free from spots or defects.
This imagery extends to Christ Himself, who is the ultimate pure and unblemished sacrifice, taking away the sins of the world. Symbolically slain like a goat for sin, He embodies both aspects of leadership and subjugation, representing humanity in its totality through His dual nature. He reflected majesty and authority as the male, while also exemplifying subordination to the law as the female, yet remained faultless. This is evident from His proclamation, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me” (John 14:30) and His challenge to the Jews, “Which of you shall reprove Me with unrighteousness? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?” (John 8:46).
The sacrifices were conducted in the presence of God, emphasizing the sacredness of Christ's death as He was slain before the most holy place, effectively granting believers access to the heavenly sanctuary. Through Christ's death, we are invited into the divine realm, the heavenly Jerusalem, which serves as the ultimate fellowship for His saints and angels. The commandment in the law, stipulating that the blood be shed on the altar, reinforces the sanctity of Christ's sacrifice.
Moreover, His offering for the Church emphasizes that He laid down His life for its sake. The altar represents the Church, while the blood signifies the essence of the soul. The internal organs offered in sacrifice—the fat, liver, and kidneys—symbolize the holiness and purity of Christ’s nature. The liver is significant as the seat of desire, and the kidneys reflect discernment. As wise individuals recognize, these organs metaphorically represent the thoughts and intentions shaped by divine wisdom. David articulates this when he says, “Before Thee all my desire” (Psalm 37:10) and “For Thou hast arranged my inward parts, O Lord” (Psalm 138:13).
The perfection of Christ’s nature is mirrored in the richness of the fat offered; just as the fat of well-fed animals represents the nourishment of the soul, Christ is wholly divine and virtuous. Thus, He embodies the sacrificial ideal—flawless and abundant in righteousness. He alone provided Himself for the redemption of all, deserving all glory and praise alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit forever.
As we present ourselves to God, we are called to die to sin, living “in righteousness” as stated in Scripture (1 Pet. 2:24). In gratitude, we offer our lives to Him, pure and radiant, enriched by his divine love. This is echoed in the regulations of Leviticus regarding peace offerings, reinforcing the importance of presenting a sacrifice devoid of blemish—ischastity, significantly removed from all vice. These sacrifices, particularly in their preparation—laying hands upon the animal, designating its life to God—hold deep meaning, calling us to offer up a heart aligned with divine will.
The fat signifies well-being and spiritual nourishment, while the kidneys symbolize the discerning thought processes that guide our actions. As guided by the Apostle Paul, we must aspire to righteousness, recognizing and embracing the good (1 Thess. 5:20-21). Only through such discernment can we truly dedicate ourselves to God, ensuring our hearts and desires are in harmony with His divine purpose, exemplified in the psalmist’s declaration, “O Lord, before Thee is all my desire” (Psalm 37:10). Only those whose aspirations align solely with God's will can rightfully claim such a noble stance.