The sacrifices commanded by God in the Old Testament are not bound on Christians today. Jesus gave His life as our perfect sacrifice. “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10:10). However, Christians are still expected to make sacrifices. Our weekly contribution to the local church is a sacrifice (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Our worship to God and service to others are sacrifices. “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb, 13:15-16). In fact, our bodies are to be living sacrifices offering service unto God (Rom. 12:1).

Under the Old Law, a sacrifice was not accepted by God unless it was the best. “Whatever has a defect, you shall not offer, for it shall not be acceptable on your behalf. And whoever offers a sacrifice of a peace offering to the Lord, to fulfill his vow, or a freewill offering from the cattle or the sheep, it must be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no defect in it” (Lev. 22:20-21). Through the prophet Malachi, God condemned the Jews for insulting Him with imperfect sacrifices. “‘And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?’ says the Lord of hosts” (Mal. 1:8).

Christians are blessed to serve God under a better covenant. “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises” (Heb. 8:6). If we are under a better covenant, doesn’t God have a right to expect better from us? Are we doing our best in our worship and service to God?