Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
1 Samuel 15:22
Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Most religions teach that good works are the way to God. However, we know that even our righteousness in God’s eyes are as filthy rags (Isaiah 54:6). If it was possible for man to earn a relationship with God through good works, Christ would not have had to die in atonement for our sins. We could just, in our own strength, live a life that is without sin and earn our salvation.
We know that Jesus was the one sacrifice made for our sins that did away with the need to sacrifice animals. The sacrifice of animals covered man’s sins; similar to when God covered Adam with the skin of an animal. Jesus wiped away the penalty of sin which was separation from God. Today, when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and admit that we are sinners in need of forgiveness, we are brought into a relationship with God.
Once a relationship with God is established, we are able to hear from God directly. He is able to direct our individual lives. Jesus said, “my sheep hear my voice”. God wants us to be obedient to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. That impresses God more than if we gave our body to be burnt, and that is not what He required of us.
How blessed we are to be able to walk with God as Adam did before he sinned. To have our individual lives directed by the leadings of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of Truth will lead us into all truth. He will lead and guide us in the paths of righteousness and abundance.