"Sacrifice" is a word that comes to mind when we think about the truths and realities embedded in the gospel. From Romans 12:1 to Hebrews 9:28 there are a plethora of Bible verses about sacrifice that explain why Jesus died for our sins and how we should live out selfless love in our own lives.
READ ALSO: JESUS DIED FOR US: 10 POWERFUL BIBLE VERSES ABOUT SALVATION
Considering the importance of these realities, we decided to put together a powerful list of Bible verses about sacrifice. So, let's explore:
Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)
"So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."
Hebrews 9:28 dives into the core of the gospel: that Jesus died for our sins, and that he will one day return a second time. When we think about his gift of selfless love, we have much to learn in our own lives.
Mark 10:45 (NIV)
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
One central element of sacrifice and selfless love is service. Mark 10:45 (NIV) speaks of Jesus coming to Earth to serve mankind. It's a powerful reminder not only that Jesus died for our sins, but that we, too, are called to love and help others.
Ephesians 5:2 (NIV)
"And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:2 is yet another reminder of Jesus' selfless love. Christ died for our sins and loved us enough to sacrifice his life for humankind. We, too, can take a lesson from this as we prepare to care for others with a truly selfless love.
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Romans 5:8 (NIV)
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8 obviously comes before Romans 12:1, but it speaks just as powerfully to the transformational power of Christ's death on the cross. Love ushers with it care and sacrifice — something Jesus does for us all.
Psalm 40:6 (NIV)
"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened—burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require."
This Psalm is an important reminder that God has opened our ears and our hearts. Through Christ's sacrifice, we are reconciled to the Lord. Many times, we assume it is repetitious action that God wants, when in reality it is obedience and love.
Romans 12:1 (NIV)
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Romans 12:1 is one of the Bible verses about sacrifice that is truly worth noting. But rather than focusing on the fact that Jesus died for our sins, it instead speaks of selfless love on our part. We are called to offer our bodies "as a living sacrifice." This is a powerful call to us all.
READ ALSO: 20 BIBLE VERSES ABOUT GOD’S LOVE
Proverbs 21:3 (NIV)
"To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."
Another verse that speaks to God's call that we die to ourselves and do what's right can be found in Proverbs 21:3. This is one of the Bible verses about sacrifice that reminds us to turn to God and do what's right by His standards and not our own.
Luke 9:23 (NIV)
"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
We already know that verses like Romans 12:1 call us to personal sacrifice. But there are other scriptures like Hebrews 13:16 that call us to "go good and to share with others." We are told that this sort of sacrifice pleases the Lord.
1 John 4:10 (NIV)
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
1 John 4:10 reminds us that Jesus died for our sins and that God loved us so much that He sent Christ for us. This is one of the Bible verses about sacrifice worth committing to memory.
That wraps our list of Bible verses about sacrifice. Want to know more about Jesus' love for humanity? Go here, and be sure to also become a Pure Flix member for thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows. Grab your free trial today!
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