Is there a direct correlation between sacrifice and worship? Are sacrifice and worship mutually inclusive or exclusive? Have you, like me, pondered on this question or subject at any time? If so, what would be one’s answer?
In the religious context, “sacrifice” means an act of offering to a deity something precious. Or, something offered as a religious act. But in general, this word means something given up especially for the sake of helping others. For example, someone had to sacrifice a lot for his or her family. Likewise, word “worship” in the religious context means reverence offered to a divine being or supernatural power. But in general, this word means extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem, for example, money, celebrities, etc.
It’s interesting to note that both words “sacrifice” and “worship” are the verb. In other words, both words require an action. In the religious context, why we need to sacrifice? Similarly, why we need to worship? If these are required religious rituals, then whom and where to worship? Does worship requires sacrifice? If so, what can be offered?
In general, these two words sound simple, but each word appears to be a complex subject. Because I noticed that world’s most religions have the concept of both “sacrifice” and “worship.” However, in my opinion, each word’s meaning depends on individual’s perception of his or her religious ceremony. Moreover, when we hear people offer human, animal and other objects as a sacrifice to please god, goddesses, and spirit, it makes one think as to why it is so?
My quick research on these topics indicated that “God” of the “Holy Bible” desires no animal or other objects as the sacrifice as it is stated in the book of Isaiah 1:11, “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me? Says the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, Or of lambs or goats (NKJV). “Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. (Isa. 1:13 NKJV).” Even King David says “For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart- These, O God, You will not despise (Ps.51:16-17 NKJV).” “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:25-26 NIV).”
Regarding “worship,” the Word of God says “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (Jn.4:24 NKJV).” Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (Jn.14:6 NIV).” “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you (1 Cor.3:16 NKJV)?”
Yes, sacrifice and worship are mutually inclusive, since Son of God, Jesus Christ sacrificed for us so that we can worship the true living God in spirit.
This is the Good News first provided to us by a great man of God, whom I admire.