THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril states that a forgiveness of sins is also granted through confession and the sacrifice of a lamb or goat. As it is proclaimed, “Thou shalt speak thy iniquities before,” for this is how one may be justified (Isaiah 43:26). Moreover, the psalmist David proclaims, “I said: I confess my offences unto the Lord, and Thou hast taken away the guilt of my sin from me” (Ps. 31:5). Yet, mere confession is insufficient for complete purification: it is the death of Christ, who endured suffering for us while carrying the sins of all, that offers ultimate cleansing, akin to the humble creatures like calves, sheep, and goats. The Law emphasizes the necessity of sacrifice for those who are impure, declaring that one must not neglect this duty even without a calf or sheep.
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It instructs, “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 dove can be seen as symbols of our Lord Jesus Christ; the former is the most melodious of birds, while the latter represents supreme meekness. Both qualities were present in Christ: the heavenly turtledove captivated the world with the proclamation of the Gospel, akin to a beautiful song revealing the divine will, as John affirms, “He whom God sent speaks the words of God” (John 3:34). Jesus calls us to emulate His natural humility and meekness, stating, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29). Therefore, it is said that the priest should take the turtledove and carefully pluck it, ensuring the head remains attached, which signifies that the death of Christ leads not to separation but to unity. Likewise, when establishing the Passover laws, God commanded that a lamb should be sacrificed, declaring that it must be eaten “In one house” and stipulating, “You shall not take the meat out of the house, nor break its bones” (Exodus 12:46). Christ cannot be divided; He is entirely united, present in all and among all, for “He that is... our peace,” brings us into communion with one another and with God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:14-18). Thus, the death of Christ does not create division but fosters unity among believers, as evidenced by the bird's head remaining with its body after the sacrifice. The sanctification of the Church through His blood is symbolized by the blood of the bird being sprinkled on the tabernacle and its contents. One turtledove was offered for sin, and the other for a burnt-offering, representing Christ both in His death for us and in the fragrant offering to the Father, as well as His role as a ransom for all. Palladius agrees with this understanding.