Throughout history, in every religion and culture, worship has almost always involved some form of sacrifice.
From the burnt offerings of Abraham and Moses to the temple sacrifices in Israel, worshipers expressed their devotion by giving up something of value. Our English word “sacrifice” derives directly from two Latin words meaning “to make sacred”. Being “sacred” meant that the “ordinariness” of the sacrifice was removed and it was devoted to s single, higher purpose. Many times this sacredness was ensured by destroying the offering so that it could never be used in any lesser context.
This concept did not disappear with the coming of Jesus Christ, who himself declared, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23, NLT).
The call to follow Christ is a call to self-sacrifice, a daily laying down of our own desires for His purpose.
This raises an important question: if sacrifice has always been central to worship, why have we moved away from it?
I have heard the argument that because Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, we no longer need to offer anything. But I think this misinterprets Scripture. Hebrews 13:15 says, “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name” (NLT).
While Christ’s sacrifice was once and for all (Hebrews 10:10), we are still called to live sacrificially in response.
In an age where worship services often resemble concerts and sermons echo TED Talks, it is easy to see how the heart of true worship might be obscured. A friend once invited a non-believer to a worship service at a medium-sized church. The visitor's impression? He attended a well-produced concert followed by an inspiring talk. While music and teaching are essential elements of worship, one has to ask—where is the element of sacrifice? Have we unknowingly distanced ourselves from the core of biblical worship?
This shift in contemporary worship services has been drastic. While early Christian worship was deeply centered on sacrifice—both in Christ’s offering and in the personal sacrifices of believers—today, worship is often structured around entertainment and self-fulfillment. Paul warns us not to conform to worldly patterns, saying, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him” (Romans 12:1, NLT).
Paul is reminding us that true worship requires offering ourselves, not merely consuming a service.
I have long wondered why it is that many prominent evangelicals have converted to Catholicism, and Islam continues to attract new adherents. I think a common thread among these faith traditions is a tangible sense of sacrifice. Catholicism centers its worship on the Eucharist, which directly connects believers to Christ’s sacrifice. Islam, likewise, demands structured prayers, fasting, and financial giving—each requiring discipline and surrender. Could it be that the appeal of these faiths lies in their ability to maintain an aspect of sacrifice that many Protestant churches have abandoned?
Jesus emphasized sacrifice in worship when He said, “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God” (Matthew 5:23-24, NLT).
Worship is not just about receiving from God—it is about offering something meaningful to Him.
If we are to recover the depth of true worship, I believe we must reintroduce the concept of sacrifice into our spiritual lives. This does not mean reverting to Old Testament offerings, but rather embracing the principles behind them. Some practical ways to do this include:
1 A Sacrifice of Praise – Instead of merely enjoying worship music, we should engage in heartfelt praise, even when circumstances make it difficult. “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:14-15, NLT).
2 A Sacrifice of Time and Service – Worship is not confined to Sunday mornings. True worship means offering our time and talents for God’s purposes. “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God” (Hebrews 13:16, NLT).
3 A Sacrifice of Giving – Tithes and offerings are not just financial transactions but acts of worship that demonstrate trust in God. “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce” (Proverbs 3:9, NLT).
4 A Sacrifice of Self-Denial – Jesus taught that following Him means sacrificing personal comfort and desires. Paul echoes this when he says, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20, NLT).
Worship that lacks sacrifice is incomplete. If our churches focus solely on emotional experiences and intellectual stimulation, we risk missing the depth of what worship is meant to be. We must heed Paul’s call to present our bodies as living sacrifices, understanding that authentic worship always involves surrender. Without this, our services may be little more than concerts and lectures—impressive, but ultimately hollow.
Reclaiming a sacrificial posture in worship allows us to align with the biblical model, resonate with the historical Church, and respond fully to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Only then can we move beyond the superficial and into true, life-altering worship.
Let us once again offer ourselves completely to God—because true worship is not about what we receive, but what we give.
Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study