THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Palladius: First, can you clarify the distinction between the sacrifice for salvation (Num. 7:17) and the burnt offering?
Cyril: Certainly. All burnt offerings of animals were completely consumed by sacred and eternal fire; nothing was spared, and every part ascended to God in a pleasing aroma. In contrast, the animals offered as sacrifices for salvation were only partially dedicated, including the right shoulder, the head, the feet, the kidneys, the liver, and some inner organs. Thus, it is appropriate for Christ to be presented as a burnt offering, as He is wholly holy and fragrant.
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However, we, in our offerings, are not entirely pure or entirely sacred due to the presence of sin within us, as it is written, “who can be clean from defilement?” (Job 14:4); and “who can understand the fall of sin?” (Psalm 18:13). Therefore, it is fitting that the law dictates that the offering for salvation should not be wholly burnt, but rather only partially sanctified. Palladius, do you understand my explanation?
Furthermore, through various offerings such as the calf, ram, lamb, and goat, Christ is symbolized. The bullock represents His might, as it is the strongest among the clean animals and physically larger, signifying the unmatched supremacy of Christ. The ram reflects His perfection, and the lamb embodies His gentleness: “But I,” He states, “am as a meek lamb led to the slaughter, and knew not” (Jer. 11:19). The goat symbolizes atonement for sin, as it is designated as a sin offering according to the law (cf. Lev. 16:10 ff.). Immanuel was slain for our sake, redeeming us from our previous sins through His sacrifice. Do you not agree with this?
Sacred offerings were made according to the law by the people of Israel, with the animals’ blood poured out upon the divine altar, reminiscent of the act of consecrating our souls to God.
Palladius: Your explanation is well articulated.
Cyril: Thus, sacrifices are made on our behalf, allowing us to share in their holiness. The ram and lamb symbolize our approach to God and a spiritual consecration, for both the ancient and the new peoples. Like the bullocks representing patience and courage, the sheep signify the fruitfulness and humility of those justified by faith in Christ; they embody the meekness and yield of diligent laborers in the gospel. Christ Himself called them: “Give to everyone who asks of you, and do not ask back from him who takes what is yours; to him who slaps you on the cheek, turn the other cheek also” (Luke 6:30, 29; cf. Matthew 5:39). Paul also instructs, “But the servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but be friendly to all, teachable, not unkind” (2 Tim. 2:24).
The offering of the goat emphasizes that despite some having good qualities, all individuals require purification through repentance and the forgetting of their sins. Acknowledging this, King David expressed, “If Thou, O Lord, dost mark iniquities, O Lord, who can stand?” (Ps. 129:3). Thus, the goat served as a sacrifice for atonement under the ancient law, whereas repentance and heartfelt supplication for the forgetting of sins now constitute our offering to God in spirit and truth, as it is proclaimed, “We shall be judged; thou shalt speak, that we may be justified” (Is. 43:26). David also stated, “I confess my offences unto the Lord, and Thou hast taken away the guilt of my sin from me” (Ps. 31:5). Is my discourse regarding the offerings of the leaders clear to you now?