What is a 'living sacrifice'?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In Romans 12:1, Paul says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

The concept of sacrifice is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, where sacrifices were offered in the temple. These sacrifices, made regularly to atone for sin, are outlined in specific detail in Leviticus. But the Old Testament sacrifices were not meant to be mere ritual; they were meant to revere God through humility, mercy, love, and justice (1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 51:16-17; Isaiah 1:11-17; Hosea 6:6). The New Testament shows that Christ became the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb who took on our sin so that we could be reconciled to God (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21). As Christ’s followers, we become living sacrifices, our lives an ongoing act of worship, contrasting with the dead sacrifices of the Old Covenant (Romans 12:1). Each believer becomes a Holy Spirit indwelt “new creation” (Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17). This involves dedicating one's entire being to God, reflecting a life of holiness and service. Our worship is the way we live, more than just something we do on Sunday morning.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The book of Leviticus details God’s requirements for sacrifices from His people.
• Sacrifice was the method through which ancient Israel atoned for sins; the blood of the animal represented its life: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life” (Leviticus 17:11). In New Testament times, we’re to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord.
• But the foundation of these ritual sacrifices was mercy, love, humility, and justice (1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 51:16-17; Isaiah 1:11-17). God rejected sacrifices that were merely ritual, devoid of love: “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). The New Testament emphasizes that foundational principle of sacrifice.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The apostle Paul wrote, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). We are under a new covenant in which believers live to please the Lord (Galatians 2:20).
• We renew our minds by putting off the old sinful nature and putting on the new self, which was created after the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24).
• In Christ, each of us becomes “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live a life pleasing to the Lord (Galatians 5:22-24).
• Because of Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, the Old Testament sacrifices became obsolete and are no longer in effect (Hebrews 9:11-12).
• We are not to love this world nor the things it offers, such as “the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes and pride of life” (1 John 2:15-16).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

People carry their country’s traditions to places they visit. Visiting Rome, we might start greeting people with “Buongiorno.” Maybe we would start kissing casual acquaintances on the cheek in France. For Christians, our citizenship is heaven. What customs do we follow on Earth that show that citizenship?

Romans 12:1 tells us how to give ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord. Verse two says we are not to conform to (or adopt) the patterns and behaviors prevalent in the secular world. Rather, our behavior should reflect Christ, our King. This means that when someone insults us, we don’t return evil with evil, but let it pass and even sincerely pray for that person later (1 Peter 3:9; Matthew 5:44). It means that calling out sick to work isn’t an option unless we really are ill. It means that we invite others to the same citizenship that we have by sharing the Gospel with them.

But we are still imperfect and will likely not change overnight. Our transformation in conduct (i.e., our sanctification) happens by renewing the mind. We do that by focusing on Scripture and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our lives in God's truth.

UNDERSTAND

• Mosaic Law required animal sacrifices to atone for sin.
• Since Jesus came as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, Christians now are living sacrifices that point to Christ.
• The Holy Spirit enables us to lead a life that honors the Lord.

REFLECT

• How do you present your life as a living sacrifice to Christ?
• What spiritual disciplines help you to honor Christ?
• What are some activities the world finds “harmless” but that you avoid as a God-honoring Christian in order to be a living sacrifice?

ENGAGE

• How do Old Testament sacrifices point to the life we should be living today?
• What are some examples of the everyday sacrifices that Christians might make for Christ?
• How can we guard against slipping into a works-based theology while living the crucified life?