How should fallen humans approach the Holy God to worship Him? Of course, humans should worship God; that is obvious, but how? How can sinful beings come before the perfect, holy, and all-powerful God without being immediately consumed?
This was one of the many problems that impacted humanity as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden. Their once open and intimate relationship with God was now limited by the sinfulness of their fallen nature. They could no longer commune face-to-face with God. Their access to His presence had been cut off.
However, God had a plan, a plan that would still allow Him and His people to fellowship together. At first, this plan was temporary and heavily symbolic. The sacrificial system was instituted to point the heart and thoughts of humanity towards the coming of the redeemer who would make the final sacrifice for all humanity. Yet, despite its symbolism, the sacrificial system was required by God because the nature of His Divinity required it.
Today, those who follow Jesus and are members of the family of God no longer need to sacrifice animals because Jesus’ sacrifice was final. However, God still calls his people to sacrifice themself to Him and to His will. He requires repentance and obedience from those who would follow Him. To follow Jesus is to give every aspect of one’s self over to God in totality. This is true in every area of our lives, especially in our worship.