THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Consider this, Palladius: The eternal offering is perpetually made, and in accordance with the commandments, it is presented each day; however, the Sabbath offering is not made daily but only on the Sabbath. Thus, to prevent the Israelites from neglecting the Sabbath offering because they might presume the daily eternal offering to be sufficient, the law added this requirement: it includes ‘the burnt-offering of the Sabbath on the Sabbaths, in addition to the everlasting burnt-offering and its libation.’ Palladius, does this imply that alongside the eternal sacrifice, the Sabbath offering holds equal sacredness according to the law? Cyril responds affirmatively, expressing certainty in this matter.
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We, as followers of Christ observing the Sabbath, have the opportunity to present to God even greater spiritual offerings, as it is not untrue that in the ancient days, the commendation of lawful righteousness was considered a pleasing aroma: ‘for the law is spiritual, .... and the commandment is holy and righteous and good,’ as stated by the blessed Paul in Romans 7:12, 14. However, living in Christ and observing the Sabbath in the spirit yields a much more exquisite fragrance than mere righteousness under the law. Palladius agrees, acknowledging the truth of this statement.