What does it mean to offer vain oblations?

In the sermon, the preacher explains that a 'vain oblation' is something offered for pardon that relies on oneself or any works apart from the merit of Christ. Specifically, it can be interpreted as trusting in personal efforts, rituals, or self-righteousness, which are deemed empty without Christ. God explicitly states that these offers are unacceptable, as He will not hear those who seek to justify themselves through their own means. This underscores the doctrine that true acceptance before God must be grounded in Christ's sufficient work and not in any personal merit.