THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril explains that the remission of sins can also be achieved through confession and the sacrifice of a lamb or goat. It is written, “Thou shalt speak thy iniquities before,” so “that thou mayest be justified” (Isaiah 43:26). Additionally, King David expresses, “I said: I confess my offences unto the Lord, and Thou hast taken away the guilt of my sin from me” (Ps. 31:5). However, mere confession is inadequate for complete purification. The death of Christ, who suffered on our behalf and carried the sins of all humanity, like a gentle creature such as the young calf or the sheep and goats, ultimately provides total cleansing.
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The Law emphasizes the seriousness of neglecting the necessary sacrifices for those who are unclean, even permitting alternatives if one lacks larger animals, stating: “But if he be not able to bring a sheep, let him bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering; and let him bring them to the priest, and the priest shall present first the one of these birds which is for sin, and shall break its head from its neck, but shall not separate it; and he shall sprinkle the blood of this sin-offering upon the wall of the altar, and the rest of the blood shall be filtered out at the foot of the altar: it is a sin-offering; and the other shall be used for a burnt-offering according to the ordinance; and so the priest shall cleanse him from his sin wherewith he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him” (Lev. 5:7-10).
The turtledove and the young pigeon closely symbolize our Lord Jesus Christ; the turtledove is the sweetest and most melodious of birds, while the dove epitomizes profound meekness. Both qualities were present in Christ: this exalted turtledove delighted all of creation with His gospel message, akin to a beautiful song that revealed the will of God, as John the Beloved states: “He whom God sent speaks the words of God” (John 3:34). He called us to reflect His natural meekness and humility, saying, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29). Therefore, it is instructed that “the priest take the turtledove, and pluck it off with his nail;” indeed, small birds are slaughtered, but care must be taken not to completely sever the head. This reflects that Christ's death was for the purpose of unity, not separation.
In ancient law regarding the Passover, God commanded that a lamb be sacrificed, stating, “In one house,” it should be consumed, and “You shall not take the meat out of the house, nor break its bones” (Exodus 12:46). This illustrates that Christ cannot be divided; He is wholly one in all, and in everyone. “He that is our peace,” unites us with one another and with God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:14-18). The significance of Christ’s death as a means of unity rather than division is conveyed by the fact that while the bird was slaughtered, its head remained connected to its body. His sanctification of the church through His blood is symbolized by the blood of the bird being sprinkled upon the tabernacle and the articles therein. One turtledove was offered for sin and the other for a burnt-offering; both represent Christ, who died for us, ascended as a pleasing aroma to the Father, and provided Himself as a ransom for the lives of all.