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Why Are There Sacrifices After Jesus?

Q: If the temple talked about in Ezekiel 40-48 is literal and prophetic for the millennial reign, which I believe it is, what is the purpose/need for the sacrifices talked about? Why would God have animal sacrifices after Christ, especially during His millennial reign? Would they be memorial, much like communion… or am I viewing this section of scripture totally wrong?

Summary

What purpose would animal sacrifices serve during Christ’s millennial reign if Jesus already offered the once-for-all sacrifice for sin? A listener asks Dr. Michael Easley about the sacrifices described in Ezekiel 40–48 and whether they function as memorials, much like communion, or serve another purpose.

Dr. E begins by explaining the larger interpretive questions surrounding Ezekiel’s prophetic vision. Dispensational and Reformed traditions approach prophetic passages differently, particularly when interpreting the temple described in Ezekiel. Dr. E explains why he understands the millennial kingdom and temple as literal realities while acknowledging that Christians interpret these passages differently.

The central issue is how Ezekiel’s sacrifices relate to Christ’s finished work. Hebrews 10 makes clear that Christ’s sacrifice fully accomplished what Old Testament sacrifices could never accomplish: permanent forgiveness and spiritual salvation. So why would sacrifices appear again?

Drawing on the work of Jerry Hullinger, Dr. E explains the possibility that these sacrifices serve a ceremonial purpose. Rather than providing eternal salvation, they may address ceremonial uncleanness and the purification of the millennial temple complex so Yahweh’s glory can dwell among humanity.

Dr. E ultimately leaves room for the memorial interpretation but finds Hullinger’s purgation view compelling. The discussion also explores Ezekiel’s detailed temple measurements, priestly requirements, prophetic interpretation, and continuity across Scripture.

Takeaways:

• Ezekiel 40–48 describes a highly detailed temple complex that Dr. E understands as a literal prophetic reality.
• Christ’s sacrifice fully accomplished eternal and spiritual salvation once for all.
• Old Testament sacrifices could not permanently remove sin but pointed forward to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
• Millennial sacrifices may serve a ceremonial purpose by addressing uncleanness and temple purification.
• The sacrifices may function as more than a memorial by reenacting the sacrificial system within the millennial temple.
• Ezekiel’s detailed language and use of sacrificial terminology make the passage significant for understanding God’s future dwelling among humanity.

Links Mentioned:

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

If you’ve got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.