Living a Life That Honors GodParaugs

Spiritual Sacrifices

Before Jesus Christ came as the ultimate sacrifice who died in the place of sinful humans, people had to bring sacrifices. They offered animals as an atonement for their sins. This is no longer necessary, since Jesus has offered Himself up once for all.

So, what does the apostle Peter mean when he says that believers are a holy priesthood and should offer spiritual sacrifices? Two verses from the book of Hebrews can help us here. “Through him [Jesus Christ] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” The sacrifices Peter is talking about, are not meant as an atonement for sins but as an offer of praise and an expression of thankfulness.

In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, this idea is formulated even more strongly: we are called to present ourselves “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). We should devote ourselves completely to the Lord.

Does your life honor God?