THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The redemptive suffering of Christ is illustrated by the law as it describes the sacrifice He made for us. If the offering is a peace-offering, it must be without defect, whether it is of cattle, sheep, or goats. The individual making the offering should place their hand on the head of the sacrifice and then bring it forth at the entrance of the congregation's tabernacle for it to be slain. The priests of Aaron will then sprinkle the blood around the altar, and from this peace-offering, certain parts—the fat covering the entrails, the fat on the entrails, the two kidneys with their fat, and the omentum on the liver—are offered to the Lord. These parts are to be separated and burned on the altar with the burnt-offering that is on the wood, creating a pleasing aroma to the Lord (Lev.
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3:1-6). This ritual, observed not only with oxen but also with goats and sheep, emphasizes the requirement of a perfect sacrifice, which carries spiritual significance.
This description corresponds to Christ, who is both the sinless offering and the one bearing the weight of our sins. Just as the law sets forth the expectations of a sacrifice, so too does it inform us about Christ’s purity: “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me” (John 14:30), and “Which of you shall reprove Me with unrighteousness? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?” (John 8:46). The offering must be unblemished and is slain in God's presence, with its blood marking the altar, symbolizing Christ’s death for humanity, which God honors above all else.
The significance of Christ’s sacrificial death is revealed in His ability to open the way to the Holy of Holies for believers. In His death, we find access to the heavenly Jerusalem, the ultimate city of God, which is the abode of the saints and the sustainer of angels. The command that blood must be shed upon the altar further denotes the sanctity of Christ's sacrifice for the Church. The parts set aside—the fat, liver, and kidneys—illustrate the holiness within Christ, where the liver represents desires and the kidneys symbolize discernment. The wise understand that the liver is central to aspirations and the kidneys signify the mind’s capacity to distinguish what is beneficial.
The psalmist expresses this connection when he states, “Before Thee all my desire” (Psalms 37:10) and “For Thou hast arranged my inward parts, O Lord” (Psalms 138:13). This complexity highlights how Immanuel embodies divine perfection. Just as the best-fed animals contain the richest fat, so too does Christ represent blessedness and virtue, being a fragrant offering to God in every aspect of His existence. He is the ultimate sacrificial lamb, willing to give Himself wholly for the redemption of all.
In response, we offer our lives to God, turning away from sin and instead embracing righteousness as articulated in Scripture (1 Pet. 2:24). Our heartfelt dedication to Him is evident as we present our lives adorned with divine love and glory. These principles are further emphasized in the laws established in Leviticus where the sacrificial guidelines illustrate the necessity of pure offerings that draw near to God (Lev. 3:1-5).
The offerings serve as a reminder that those who wish to elevate themselves before God must be pure and devoid of vice. Through the symbolism of the fat and inner parts, we recognize the importance of nurturing the spirit under heavenly guidance. The kidneys, as the seat of reason, are dedicated to God in a manner reflecting the wisdom of discernment, as noted by Paul’s encouragement to test all things and hold on to what is good (1 Thess. 5:20-21). Thus, in all of these offerings, we see a profound representation of our hearts and desires submitted to God’s will, ensuring they align with His purpose.
We are called to dedicate our innermost desires to God, as exemplified in the psalms, with lives aimed solely toward that which pleases Him. True glory is not simply in words but in a heart committed to serving God and fulfilling His desires.