John wrote: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17). The Old Testament is filled with laws concerning animal sacrifices which the people had to make because of their many sins. However, none of the sacrifices, while accomplishing the purpose God intended in them, supplied the forgiveness of sins for the people. The Hebrew writer said: “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). For this reason, a better sacrifice was needed in order for sins to be taken away. That sacrifice was Jesus Christ.
The death of Jesus on the Cross was a sacrifice made by the Father on behalf of sinful men. God required Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac on an altar, foreshadowing the sacrifice that God would make by sending His Son to die for us. God ultimately stopped Abraham from killing his only son, but He didn’t stop the Roman soldiers from nailing His Son to the cross.
The sacrifice of a spotless lamb in the Old Testament meant the killing of an innocent, sinless life on behalf of a sinner. Jesus was also a sinless sacrifice. Paul said, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21; cf: 1 John 3:5). He died on the cross, not for His own sins, but for the sins of mankind. He was wounded for OUR transgressions, not His own (Isaiah 53:5; Galatians 1:4; Romans 5:6).
How much are you willing to sacrifice for Jesus Christ? Paul said that you must present your body to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). Are you willing to forsake the world and its pleasures for Jesus Christ? That is what you must do in response to the sacrifice of Jesus: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (vs. 2). God loved you enough to send his Son to die for you. Shouldn’t you be willing to give your life to Him?
Are you willing to sacrifice your preconceived religious beliefs if they are not in harmony with the revealed word of God? The doctrines taught by men are anathema (Galatians 1:6-9), they make one’s worship vain (Matthew 15:7-9), and they make it impossible for one to be in fellowship with God (2 John 1:9). Jesus gave up His earthly life for you. Shouldn’t you be willing to give up treasured doctrines if they are false and separate you from God?
Are you willing to give your life to the Lord by obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ? Jesus said that you must love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind (Mark 12:30). Do you love Him enough to humble yourself in obedience to His will? Obedience to the gospel is what frees you from the slavery of sin and makes you a slave of righteousness (Romans 6:17). Jesus said that the one who believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16). Are you willing to sacrifice your own will in favor of His? You should. He gave His life for you. How can you do any less?
The sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of the world ought to move us. It should move those who are not Christians to quickly obey God and become Christians. And, it should move those who are Christians to be grateful and faithful.