THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Exodus 23:18 indicates that yesterday's fat should not be brought into the sweet aroma of sacrifice. The book of Leviticus elaborates on this law, clearly stating concerning the offerer: "But if any man offer sacrifice according to a vow, or out of zeal, his sacrifice shall be eaten on the day of the offering, and on the next day the remainder of it may be eaten, but the remainder of the meat of the sacrifice shall be burned with fire by the third day: but if they eat the meat of the peace-offering on the third day, it shall not be favorable; whosoever shall offer it shall be accounted nothing: it is a defilement, and whosoever shall eat it shall bear sin" (Leviticus 7:16-18).
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Therefore, the law disallows the sacrifice after three days, and similarly rejects any offering from the previous day. It is made clear: "If you offer unto the Lord a sacrifice of thanksgiving, offer it in such a way that it shall gain you favor: the same day it shall be eaten, and you shall not leave it until the morning. I am the Lord" (Leviticus 22:29-30). Palladius inquires about the significance of these directives. Cyril responds by noting that the law frequently distinguishes two eras: the time of the law and the time when Christ revealed Himself. At times, it divides further, acknowledging an intermediary period marked by the light of the holy prophets. Throughout the times of Moses and the prophets, the practice remained consistent, with its service conducted in the shadows of the law. However, when Christ, the mental light, finally arose, illuminating everything, the former darkness dissipated. The worship of that bygone era became unappealing—any sacrifices rendered after that time, whether from the previous day or after three days, were no longer acceptable but were viewed as detestable before God, resulting in the defilement of those who offered them out of turn. With Christ illuminating the hearts of the saints through His teachings, maintaining adherence to the law grew redundant. Palladius concurs, recalling Paul’s view of the law as vanity compared to the understanding of Christ: "for the surpassing understanding of Christ" (Philippians 3:8). Additionally, Paul admonishes: "I say unto you, If ye be circumcised, ye shall not profit by Christ" (Galatians 5:2). Cyril affirms his insight, stating that now that Christ has revealed Himself, the era of the law and the prophets has passed, and continuing to cling to such ritualistic offerings—like sheep or other sacrifices—is a transgression and a form of defilement. The Son articulates: "Sacrifice and offering Thou hast not desired; Thou hast opened my ears; burnt offering and sin offering Thou hast not required. Then I said, Behold, I come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me, I desire to do Thy will" (Psalm 39:7-9; cf. Hebrews 10:5-7). By becoming a perfect sacrifice for us, the Son brought an end to the obsolete practices of the law, which were incapable of truly addressing sin (Hebrews 10:11); thus, "the end of the law and of the prophets is Christ" (Romans 10:4; cf. Matthew 5:17).