Meaning of Levitical Sacrifices Levitical sacrifices were laws given by God to the Israelites regarding the correct way for people to approach God. The sacrifices showed people that there is access to God and that their sacrifices are necessary to get closer to God. He also showed people that sin is serious; leads to death and people must realize their need for a Savior. The sacrifices also represented communion with God. Levitical sacrifices can be divided into two types: (1) animal sacrifices which involved the shedding of blood and (2) non-animal offerings which were bloodless offerings (Allis 1951, 99). Animal sacrifices Hebrews 9:22 states that there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. After the fall of man, God provided a temporary atonement for sin by instituting animal sacrifice. To provide clothing for Adam and Eve and thus cover their shame, an animal had to be killed to teach that access to God was only possible through blood sacrifice. Animal offerings were also a symbol to indicate Christ's future sacrifice on the cross. The purpose of the animal offering was therefore expiatory (Allis 1951, 99); it was supposed to bring atonement for the sins of the offerer. In Leviticus God commanded, through the Law, these offerings. Animal sacrifices were classified as burnt offerings, guilt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings. The animal to be offered had to be of the best quality and, depending on the offerer's wealth, it could be an animal from the herd (ram, ox), livestock (sheep or goat) or birds (doves or pigeons). It was carried by the offerer to the altar in the Tabernacle. There the offerer placed his hand on the head of the animal,…… in the middle of the paper……the people. Believers today are set apart by spiritual birth to be priests in order to minister the atonement to others. 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a special possession of God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (NIV). As the priests were consecrated by placing blood on their ears, on the thumbs of the right hand, and on the big toes of the right foot, so we as believers are consecrated to render service with our hands, to hear the voice of God, and to walk a holy life . . The oil that was poured on the priests and their robes indicates that we as believers should be filled with the Holy Spirit daily. Aaron, as high priest, refers to Christ as our heavenly High Priest, who is the final mediator between God and man. Only through Jesus Christ can we find access to God.