Allusions to Sacrifices

The N.T. is full of allusions to sacrifices, sacrifices that we perform in the cathedral of our bodies instead of at a temple. The totality of our being is to be presented as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1). We also sacrifice with words of praise from our lips and the sharing of our resources with others. "Through Jesus, therefore let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise&md;the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Hebrews 13:15-16). Giving our money to the Lord's work is pictured as a "fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God" (Philippians 2:17). We now, as the temples of God, are required to present sacrifices to Him, not the sacrifice for sin because Christ already accomplished that on the cross, but sacrifices of worship and thanksgiving.