During the millennial kingdom, will there be animal sacrifices?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible indicates that animal sacrifices will take place during the millennial kingdom, as prophesied in Ezekiel, Isaiah, Zechariah, and Jeremiah. These sacrifices will be performed by the line of Zadok in the Jewish temple and will include offerings such as rams, lambs, and bulls. While Hebrews teaches that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient to remove sin once for all, these future sacrifices will serve as a memorial to Christ dying for our sins. Similar to how Christians observe the Lord’s Supper, these sacrifices will remind people of God’s holiness and their need for His grace. Though this may seem unusual, it will be a fulfillment of God’s promises and an act of worship during Christ’s reign as Messiah and King.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Though it may sound strange, the Bible does indicate that animal sacrifices will take place during the millennial kingdom. Ezekiel 43—46 offers the most developed prophecies regarding these practices as it deals with the Jewish temple that will exist during the millennial kingdom and what takes place in it. Specifically, the line of Zadok will offer sacrifices (Ezekiel 44:15).
• Specific animal sacrifices are described in Ezekiel 45—46 and include rams, lambs, and bulls.
• In addition to Ezekiel, Isaiah discusses sacrifices in the future millennial kingdom, stating: "their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar" (Isaiah 56:7).
• Zechariah 14:16 adds, "Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths." This celebration includes animal sacrifices.
• Jeremiah 33:18 notes that during this time period, "the Levitical priests shall never lack a man in my presence to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to make sacrifices forever."

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Hebrews 10:3 explains that the sacrificial system of the Old Testament could not take away sins. However, it reminded the people of their sin and their need for atonement.
• Hebrews 10:11-12 states that Christ’s sacrifice took away sins once for all. The millennial sacrifices will commemorate that.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

If Christ paid the sacrifice for our sins, why will animal sacrifice continue in the future? While Scripture doesn’t answer every facet of this question, it is clear that the continued use of animal sacrifices during the millennial kingdom fulfills God's prophecies made long ago. God always keeps His promises (Deuteronomy 7:9). Yet, Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient to remove sin once and for all.

The sacrifices in the Old Testament did not take away sin but were done in obedience to the Lord. These sacrifices revealed the holiness of God and the people’s submission to Him by recognizing their sin and their need for atonement (Hebrews 10:3). Similarly, future animal sacrifices during the millennial kingdom will not take away sin but will be a reminder or memorial to the Lord. This is not unlike the way Christians take the Lord's Supper during this current time period (or church age) as a reminder of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Though the thought of animal sacrifices during the millennial kingdom may sound strange to today's Christians, the sacrifices will be a fulfillment of God's prophecies and serve as an act of worship to the Lord. Christ Himself will reign during this time, offering a new meaning to these offerings as they are presented in the kingdom as Jesus reigns as Messiah and King.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible prophesies animal sacrifices in the millennial kingdom.
• The millennial sacrifices will memorialize Christ’s sacrifice, not be used for atonement.
• These offerings will fulfill God’s promises and honor His holiness.

REFLECT

• What rhythms help you remember the meaning and significance of Christ’s sacrifice for you?
• How do you currently honor God’s holiness in your life, similar to how sacrifices will serve as a reminder in the millennial kingdom?
• How does knowing that God keeps His promises, even in ways we may not fully understand, impact your trust in Him today?

ENGAGE

• How do Old Testament sacrifices and the Lord’s Supper both serve as reminders of the significance of sin as well as of God’s holiness and grace?
• Why do you think God includes physical acts of worship, like sacrifices or communion, as part of spiritual remembrance?
• How can we reconcile the idea of future sacrifices with the truth that Christ’s sacrifice was once for all?