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Spiritual Sacrifice

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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( πνευματικαὶ θυσίαι , pneumatikaı́ thusı́ai ): A figure taken from the victim slain and offered on the altar, as e.g. the paschal lamb; thus signifying the complete and acceptable offering of the self-dedicated spirit. As the temple, priesthood and God Himself are spiritual, so is the sacrifice of the consecrated believer ( 1 Peter 2:5 ); compare "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1 ); "sacrifice of praise" (Hebrews 13:15 , Hebrews 13:16 ). Any self-dedicating act of the inner man; the devout, renewed, consecrated spirit, e.g. Christian benevolence (Philippians 4:18 ); "to do good and to communicate" (Hebrews 13:16 ); "mercy" and "knowledge of God," instead of material and outward sacrifice (Hosea 6:6 ). This is defined and beautifully illustrated in the classic verse on this theme, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit," etc. (Psalm 51:17 ).