Forgiveness Without Sacrifice – Part 02
In reading the Hebrew Testament, we often come to the understanding that the only form of atonement was an animal sacrifice, but this isn’t the case when we read the passage in Numbers 16:41-50, and in particular verse 46, where Moses directs Aaron to make atonement with incense.
41. But on the next day all the congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You are the ones who have caused the death of the Lord’s people.”
42. It came about, however, when the congregation had assembled against Moses and Aaron, that they turned toward the tent of meeting, and behold, the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared.
43. Then Moses and Aaron came to the front of the tent of meeting,
44. and the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
45. “Get away from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly.” Then they fell on their faces.
46. And Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put in it fire from the altar, and lay incense on it; then bring it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, for wrath has gone forth from the LORD, the plague has begun!”
47. Then Aaron took it as Moses had spoken, and ran into the midst of the assembly, for behold, the plague had begun among the people. So he put on the incense and made atonement for the people.
48. And he took his stand between the dead and the living, so that the plague was checked.
49. But those who died by the plague were 14,700, besides those who died on account of Korah.
50. Then Aaron returned to Moses at the doorway of the tent of meeting, for the plague had been checked.
NASB
We see that the Lord accepts the incense offering. In this case, atonement was made without the shedding of blood.
This appears to be the only situation where this occurred in the Hebrew Text.
Many scholars believe that it was because Aaron used the golden censer reserved for the Day of Atonement, but that doesn’t answer the question as to why such a means of atonement was acceptable in this case and not in others.
Our personal thoughts are that we are dealing with pure faith and God’s grace, much in the same way as repentance coupled with faith in Jesus Christ brings atonement or forgiveness. If so, then why the emphasis on animal sacrifice? We believe it’s because people didn’t want to stop killing and eating animals, and sacrificing them gave them an excuse.
Go on to Forgiveness Without Sacrifice – Part 03
Since 
I hope I’m not misinterpreting and getting it wrong, but regarding your comment that “repentance coupled with faith in Jesus Christ brings atonement or forgiveness” I’m relating it to my impression at this stage that, much more relevant to “salvation” from wrong than Jesus’ blood shed on the cross, (‘salvation’ by sacrifice), is repentance (being sorry – truly regretful – about our ‘sins’ or mistakes), coupled with faith in the life, the demonstrated example, the teachings and ‘exhortations’ or vital recommendations, the unconditional love, etc. shown by Jesus the Christ,…… all of this leading us to think, speak and act in every way we possibly can, in line with His demonstration. And that that is what brings atonement and forgiveness. (At-one-ment with God’s nature and the ways He intends and wants for us.)…
Thank you for your comment. Please go back and reread what you’re quoting. We said that repentance coupled with faith and God’s grace is what brings forgiveness. We’re not sure we understand what else you’re referring to.
Thanks for more ecological formation.
Psalm 50 is another example of atonoment without sacrifice.
In fact, Psalm 50 challanges the excesses of “animal sacrifice”—asking “If I were hungry, would I not let you know?” Making the case that God is not a hungry pagan god who needs to be feed with displays of sacrifice. Also, God forcefully affirms the intrinic value of animal life through making a powerful case that all animals belong to God and God knows each and everyone as an individual.
In Psalm 50— the “only true sacrifice” is being thankful.
You can find more about my ideas and work at: http://www.all-creatures.org/church/grmindir-md-ss-salomon.html.
Thanks very much!