Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

The very system of sacrifices was devised by Christ, and given to Adam
as typifying a Saviour to come, who would bear the sins of the world, and
die for its redemption. Through Moses, Christ gave definite directions to the
children of Israel in regard to the sacrificial offerings. This was to impress
the minds of the worshipers that something of vastly more importance than
the mere outward act was signified by these ordinances. How solemn the
thought that Christ was here giving directions in regard to a religious service,
which, although it may seem to some as a meaningless and exacting round of
forms, was designed to represent his own ministry and death.
Only clean and precious animals, those which would best symbolize
Christ, were accepted as offerings to God. The filthy swine, the devouring
lion, and beasts of like character which subsist on animal food, were not to
be brought. Every offering was to be without spot or blemish, the very best
of the kind. From this, those who follow Christ now should learn that he will
accept of no meager offering or service. The most perfect and valuable
treasure of Heaven was given for man's salvation, and God will receive only
the dearest and most precious gift from him in return. The Father in giving
his Son poured out in one gift all the excellence of Heaven for man, and
those who prize this gift will make their offerings of the things they most
value, and withhold nothing which God has bestowed upon them wherewith
to honor and glorify his name.
By the act of bringing the offering to the sanctuary, the individual
confessed himself a sinner, deserving the wrath of God, and signified his
repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, whose blood would remove the guilt of
the transgressor. By placing his hands upon the head of the victim the sin of
the individual was transferred to the victim, and in his suffering the sinner
saw Christ typified, when he should give himself as a sacrifice for our sins.
The Lord signified his acceptance of the offering by causing it to be
consumed upon the altar.
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