When did that change and why? They had to kill a perfect lamb or other such animal for a sacrifice and there were specific instructions on the whole thing. But it's not practiced today. I know Christians look to Jesus as the last blood sacrifice and the animals were just a "picture" of His death for our atonement. But, the Jews didn't recognize Him as Messiah, Saviour so why aren't they still sacrificing animals for atonement?
2007-03-27 16:42:24 · 13 answers · asked by Joyful Noise 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Bible is very clear that those sacrifices could not be offered anywhere other than the Temple in Jerusalem. That Temple was destroyed by the Romans in the year 70CE, which is why they no longer make those offerings. The Bible also says what one is to do in the time when there is no temple. It is simply to offer prayers in place of the animal sacrifices.
2007-03-27 16:48:31 · answer #1 · answered by Heron By The Sea 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Sacrifices were only ever one way for atoning- and even then if the person could not afford the requisite animal (not always a lamb, sometimes an ox, goat or calf) they could bring a bird instead. If they were too poor to even be able to afford a bird, they could bring a flour offering (flour and oil). Even with a sacrifice the most important component was intent- the person had to genuinely repent the deed or the sacrifice was a pointless and meaningless.
As I sid in the beginning, atonement has always been available through more than just sacrifices- the other two ways are charity and true repentance. If you genuinely repent what you have done, and act in such a way that you would never repeat the same deed, then you are considered holy. Indeed, a quote in the Talmud states- the Ba'al B'tshuvah (one who has repented completely from previous wrong doings) stands where no tzaddik (righteous man) can reach since he has completely repented, he no longer even has the capacity for those deeds, whereas somebody else might still stumble and do them.
Another impotant element is that learning and reading about the sacrifices is as if you have performed them. This principal existed even in temple times where the ma'amad of the week (the group of Israelites that was designated to observe the sacrifices in the temple on behalf of the rest of the nation, was also spread out across the entire country in every city and town) would say a special psalm each day for the sacrifices being performed, and they, and those listening were considered as witnesses to the sacrifices.
In summary- atonement has always been possible through three things : Sacrifices (not only blood but flour as well), charity and repentance. Today the three ways are: Prayer (replaces the sacrifices under the last point about the ma'amad above), charity and repentance.
2007-03-28 06:26:04 · answer #2 · answered by allonyoav 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
After the 2nd Temple was destroyed in 70 CE, sacrifice was replaced by prayer. The word "sacrifice" in Hebrew doesn't mean to "give up something valuable." It means to "bring closer" to God.
Using Jesus as a "blood sacrifice" doesn't work. Human sacrifice was always fobidden. God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son to show that God's "chosen people" were not allowed human sacrifices like the other cultures surrounding them, i.e. Egyptians, Assyrians, etc.
We are not waiting for a messiah for atonement. We have always received atonement whenever asked. The sole purpose of the messiah (human) is to bring peace, justice, and goodness on earth for all humanity. We will know the messiah because he will be the great (human) leader who will be King of Israel when there is peace on earth.
Many Jews have claimed to be the messiah and have had large followings. When "the messiah" dies without having brought peace on earth, we realize he wasn't "the" messiah. All Jews can aspire to be "the" messiah. (Christ means "annointed" in Greek -- NOT divine!)
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2007-03-27 23:47:37 · answer #3 · answered by Hatikvah 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
The sacrifices ended with the destruction of the Second Temple, since there has not been a Temple since in which to offer them. Human sacrifice has always been banned by Judaism, so a dead human is not ever part of any offering for us... After the destruction of the Second Temple, Prayer replaced sacrifices, and has ever since... Why do christians pray if they had a human sacrifice to cover all their sins?
2007-03-27 23:45:14 · answer #4 · answered by XX 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
They have no Temple to sacrifice in. They still adhere to the old covenant and need a temple to offer up sacrifice. But just as you stated, Jesus was the final sacrifice. There is no need for sacrifices any longer, He paid it all.
2007-03-27 23:47:25 · answer #5 · answered by jaherrera3499@sbcglobal.net 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Simple. They do not have the Temple anymore. Soon though it will be rebuilt. (I can feel the thumbs going down on my answer but it is the truth.) The Temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt on the Temple Mount, soon.
2007-03-27 23:47:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
some still do, one religion uses goats, but they have their rules about it too. They will not sacrifice a female, and they find someone that wants the meat.
2007-03-27 23:48:41 · answer #7 · answered by Scorpius59 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
i thought they were afraid to walk on the where the old temple was because they would be thrown straight to hell for walking in the Holy of Holies because they don't know where it is?
i'm pretty sure?
2007-03-27 23:59:20 · answer #8 · answered by bonto 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
1 word: Churban.
2007-03-28 02:29:31 · answer #9 · answered by Gab200512 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because's God's magic has worn off over time.
2007-03-27 23:49:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋