Animal Sacrifice Was an Ordinance of the Gospel

The Law of Sacrifice Was Practiced Anciently

From the time of Adam and Eve to the time of Jesus Christ, the Lord's people practiced the law of animal sacrifice (see Moses 5:5). It was an ordinance of the gospel. 

The emblems of bread and water remind us of the Savior's bruised body and of his blood, which he shed for us (see chapter 23, "The Sacrament").

Discussion

• Read Moses 5:5-7. What did the sacrifice of a lamb represent in ancient times?
• What event brought blood sacrifice to an end?
• What ordinance was given to replace the ancient law of sacrifice?
  

We Must Be Willing to Sacrifice Everything We Have to the Lord

If we are to be a living sacrifice, we must, if asked, be willing to give everything we have for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - to build the kingdom of God on the earth and labor to bring forth Zion (see 1 Nephi 13:37).

Sacrifice Helps Us Prepare to Live in the Presence of God

Many who have lived before us have sacrificed all they had. We must be willing to do the same if we would earn the rich reward they enjoy (see Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, p. 58).

Additional Scriptures

• Alma 27:5-10 (the people of Ammon offer to become slaves in payment of their sins)