Shang Di - TianMythUnknown origin but proposing actual events at unspecified timeTold around extraordinary events - could not actually happenLegendPerceived by teller and listener as trueNo happenings outside the realm of possibilityGeorge Washington chopping down the cherry treeHistoryStudy of chronological eventsSima Qian - 25 A.D.Huang Di (2400 B.C.)Altar of heavenTai Shi Shandong provinceDebate on dates - after flood (2450 B.C.), after tower of BabelSite moved when capital movedAltar of heavenNo images of Shang Di - TianAltat to make sacrifices onAfter Solomon’s Temple built - II Chronicles 6:18Confucius - “The ceremonies of the celestial and terrestrial sacrifices are those by which men serve Shang Di.”Border sacrificePerformed by the emporer of ChinaCalled Border Sacrifice because it usually took place on the southern border of the imperial cityJi Tian - Ceremony of Sacrifice to HeavenNot all emperors faithful in the three yearly sacrfices that were expectedVol. 25 - History of Han DynastyCorruption from 259 B.C. - A.D. 1368False gods abolishedBorder sacrifice - ceremonyEmperor - three times a yearSpring - harvestSummer - rainWinter solstice - to sacrifice to HeavenPreparation for ceremonies3 months before - unblemished sacrifice selectedEmperor put a proclamation5 days before - prince inspection of sacrifice3 days before - fast: no wine, mean, women, or entertainment2 days before - inspect writings, incense10:00 a.m. day before sacrifice: procession to the altarEmperor and as many as 5000 peopleInside the complexEmperor - Imperial vaultKneel, kowtow 9 timesInspect sacrifice, then return and batheDay of sacrifice4:15 a.m.Emperor put on robes of “bo” silk.Wash face and hands in basin.9 stage ceremony ending in burnt offeringConclusionGod has strict requirements.God wants a pure heart.God requires a perfect sacrifice.Jesus’ sacrifice ended sacrifice at the temple in Jerusalem or at any other Altar of Heaven.
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