THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Palladius. First, could you clarify the distinction between the redemptive sacrifice (Num. 7:17) and the burnt offering? Cyril. Certainly. The burnt offerings consisted of animals that were completely consumed by a holy and unquenchable flame, with every part being offered up to God as a pleasing aroma. In contrast, the animals sacrificed for the purpose of salvation were only partially dedicated, with specific portions such as the right shoulder, head, feet, kidneys, liver, and some concealed internal organs being consecrated. Therefore, it is appropriate for Christ to be represented as a burnt offering, as He is wholly holy, fragrant, and divine.
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Yet, it is fitting for us to remain as a sacrifice that is not entirely pure or sacred due to the presence of sin within us, as it is written that no one is ‘clean ... from defilement’ (Job 14:4), and 'who can understand the fall of sin?' (Psalm 18:13). Thus, the law rightly establishes that the sacrifice for salvation should not be entirely burnt but should instead be partially consecrated. So, Palladius, is my explanation clear and sufficient for your understanding?
The calf, ram, lamb, and goat are all representative of Christ Himself; the calf symbolizes strength, while the bullock, being the most prominent among the clean animals, reflects the supremacy of Christ, who surpasses all in His incomparable excellence. The ram represents His perfection, and the lamb signifies His goodness: ‘But I,’ He states, “am as a meek lamb led to the slaughter, and I did not know” (Jer. 11:19). The goat denotes His offering for those who have sinned, as the goat serves as a sin-offering according to the law (Lev. 16:10 ff.). Yet Immanuel was sacrificed for our sake, granting us redemption from our past sins through the suffering He endured on our behalf. Do you accept this as truth as well?
Sacred offerings were made in accordance with the law throughout Israel, with the blood of the sacrificial animals being poured upon the divine altar, symbolically indicating our need to dedicate our souls to the holy God. P. You have articulated this well. K. Therefore, these sacrifices are made in our place, and through them, we are transformed into something sacred. Additionally, the ram and lamb offered represent our approach towards God and a profound spiritual consecration, uniting both the ancient faithful and the new believers. The bullocks symbolize patience and courage, while the sheep exemplify the fruitfulness and meekness of those justified by faith in Christ; for this creature is both gentle and productive. Such are the diligent workers in the gospel life, to whom Christ called: ‘Give to everyone who asks of you, and do not demand back from him who takes from you. To him who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other cheek as well’ (Luke 6:30, 29; cf. Matthew 5:39). Paul similarly writes: ‘But the servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and not resentful’ (2 Tim. 2:24). The offering of the goat, I believe, signifies the need for purification through repentance, as all, despite any virtues, require cleansing from sin. Acknowledging this, King David expressed: ‘If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?’ (Ps. 129:3). The goat served as a sin offering under the old covenant; however, in our current practice, sincere repentance and petitions for the forgiveness of sins constitute our offerings as we come to God in spirit and truth, for it is proclaimed, “We shall be judged; speak so that we may be acquitted” (Is. 43:26). Furthermore, David stated, ‘I confessed my transgressions to the Lord, and You forgave the guilt of my sin’ (Ps. 31:5). Is the explanation regarding the offerings of the leaders clear to you now?