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The Forgotten Books of Eden · 150 of 293

Secrets of Enoch: Chapter XLV

God shows how he does not want from men sacrifices, nor burnt-offerings, but pure and contrite hearts.

1.WHOEVER hastens to make offering before the Lord’s face, the Lord for his part will hasten that offering by granting of his work.

2.But whoever increases his lamp before the Lord’s face and make not true judgement, the Lord will not increase his treasure in the realm of the highest.

3.When the Lord demands bread, or candles, or flesh (sc. cattle), or any other sacrifice, then that is nothing; but God demands pure hearts, and with all that only tests the heart of man.

Asked of Guide

If God rejects physical sacrifices, what does he actually require from people?

The chapter says God does not value offerings like bread, candles, or flesh when they stand alone; he “demands pure hearts” and tests the heart of man. It stresses inward integrity over outward ritual: haste in offering or increasing lamps means nothing unless accompanied by true judgment and a contrite spirit.

This mirrors Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 15, where he quotes Isaiah about people honoring God with lips while hearts are far away, and it echoes Psalm 51’s plea for a “broken and contrite heart.” The point of the chapter is simple: God accepts genuine moral transformation, not mere ceremonial display.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.