THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
In Exodus 23:18, it states that the fat from sacrifices of the previous day should not ascend to create an unpleasant odor. The book of Leviticus expands on this regulation, clearly instructing those offering sacrifices. It states that if someone presents a sacrifice as a vow or out of fervor, it is to be consumed on the day it is offered, with any leftover portion permissible to eat the following day. However, anything remaining after the second day should be completely burned by the third day; eating the peace offering's meat on that day is unacceptable. Whoever partakes in it will be held guilty as it is deemed unclean.
Read more (367 words)
Thus, sacrifices from three days prior, as well as from the previous day, are rejected. This emphasizes the instruction, "If you present a thanksgiving sacrifice to the Lord, do so in a manner that pleases Him: it should be consumed the same day, and nothing should remain until morning. I am the Lord" (Leviticus 22:29-30). Palladius inquires about the implications of these commands. Cyril explains that the sacred texts often delineate time into distinct periods: the era of the Law and the time when Christ revealed Himself, sometimes introducing a third period showcasing the prophets’ ministry.
While the ceremonial practices were consistent in the times of Moses and the prophets, they were only shadows of what was to come. With the dawn of the true light—Christ—the old darkness dissipated, rendering the previous sacrifices obsolete and distasteful in the sight of God. Any offering presented at an inappropriate time would be deemed loathsome, incurring guilt on those who dared to offer them. Isn't it evident, then, that when Christ enlightens the hearts of believers through His teachings, adherence to the Law becomes somewhat unnecessary?
Palladius agrees, recalling the words of Paul, who labeled reliance on the Law as an empty pursuit when compared to the knowledge found in Christ (Philippians 3:8). He further wrote to the Galatians: “If you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you” (Galatians 5:2). Cyril concurs with his assessment. Now that Christ has come and the time of the Law and the prophets has concluded, to cling to former rituals—such as offering sheep or other sacrifices—is a transgression and a source of impurity. The Son has stated clearly: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; my ears You have opened; burnt offerings and sin offerings You have not required. Then I said, Behold, I have come; it is written of me in the scroll of the book; I delight to do Your will” (Psalm 39:7-9; cf. Hebrews 10:5-7). By presenting Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sake, the Son fulfilled the Law, which could no longer "take away sins" (Hebrews 10:11); indeed, "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:4; cf. Matthew 5:17).