Under the Mosaic Law, the Israelites were commanded to bring sacrifices to God. One of the sacrifices God outlines is the burnt offering (Lev 1:1-17). The Old Testament believer could bring a male bull, sheep, or goat (or pigeons or turtledoves) as a burnt offering. He freely brought this offering, and upon presenting it before the Lord, identifying with it by laying his hand on its head, slit its throat and allowed it to bleed out. The priest captured the blood and splashed it on the sides of the altar, making atonement for the offerer. Then the entire animal was placed on the altar and set on fire until it was completely burned up.
This offering demonstrated his complete consecration and devotion to God. There was nothing left of the animal after the offering. Unlike other sacrifices, he did not get to eat any of the meat. This sacrifice was a "write off." It was a complete "loss." He brought this sacrifice, his animal which he had raised and was his source of food or work, and gave it completely to God. It was totally burned up in his sacrifice.
In the New Testament, the believer is the burnt offering. Romans 12:1 says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." We no longer demonstrate our devotion to God by sacrificing an animal (or even by giving up some pleasure for Lent). No, God asks for much more than that.
Instead, the believer shows his love and devotion to God by giving his whole physical life completely to God in obedience. Before we were saved, we willing presented our bodies as instruments for unrighteousness (Rom 6:13). Now, as God's children, we eagerly present our bodies to God in complete devotion and willingness to obey Him.
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