Spiritual Sacrifices

In ancient cultures, sacrifices were a way of life. Sacrifices were made to deities for any and everything. They believed in the slaughtering of animals and humans to atone for their wrongdoing and to receive favour. At various times of the year, the people would perform ritual sacrificial offerings to appease the gods.

Then in so-called biblical times, there was the Levitical priesthood who performed various sacrificial offerings to God. However, this earthly form of sacrifice was inadequate to remove the stain of sin. At that time, God had given these rituals to the Jews, under the Laws of Moses, to lead them to the Messiah. (see Galatians 3:23-25)

“Now that the time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us.” (verse 25)

Today, it is not necessary for Christians to engage in that form of sacrifice as Jesus came, died, and was resurrected. Jesus was the fulfilment of those rituals and sacrifices. Now seated at the right hand of the Father, He is our ultimate Sacrifice. Physical sacrifices are no longer needed but we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), offering up spiritual sacrifices in the form of praise, thanks, and prayer, to God.

“Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 2:5

And Hebrews 13:15 says,

“Let us, then, always offer praise to God as our sacrifice through Jesus, which is the offering presented by lips that confess him as Lord.”

Ephesians 5:20 says,

“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.”

While 1 Thessalonians 5:17 simply tells us to “pray at all times”

Spiritual sacrifices also involve the manner in which we treat others, for we read in Hebrews 13:16,

“Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.”

Mind you, this has nothing to do with pretence, spiritual sacrifice is a heartfelt activity. God will not be fooled by your half-witted falsities. As it is written,

“Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant.” – Galatians 6:7

God gave us His best, in the sacrifice of His own beloved Son. Are we not to give Him our best?

Amen †

(Please note that all Scripture passages are from the Good News Translation)

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Spiritual Sacrifices“ © March 13, 2025