The Sacrifice Of God 's Own Son

Many people are willing to sacrifice for what they desire, whether out of selfish or selfless motives they are willing to sacrifice themselves or others. This sacrifice is a costly and even puzzling act. One must wonder, is this sacrifice for better or for worse? Here are two stories that will show two different sides to this query.

Sacrifice is a key part to one's success. In a book by Scott Westerfeld called Uglies the main character, Tally, had people sacrifice for her own success. In the book Tally had a choice which would change her fate forever. She could either ruin her best friends idea of a perfect world and get her lifelong dream, or never get her lifelong dream. Tally had made no sacrifices in the book. She had made no sacrifices in the book because people had made them for her, and she forced people to make them.

Through Matthew 27:11-66 it is evident that the governor Pontius Pilate plays a crucial role in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Scholars throughout history have provided support to see Pilate as positive, negative, or neutral role in the retelling of the crucifixion. Warren Carter is one of the many scholars who have taken note of Pilate’s role in history and within the source “Pontius Pilate. Portraits of a Roman Governor” Carter argues that Pilate is a negative character. He goes as far to claim that Pilate was one to actively seek conflict. While Carter argues that Pilate’s role is one of negativity, I would argue, that through a socio-culture view, that Pilate is not a negative figure, but an ambivalent one, due to his lack to enforce.

However, it follows that we must also ask what are the consequences of stopping this bad thing? Say for instance this bad thing would be an innocent but convicted man going to prison. If we prevented this from happening we could be arrested and convicted ourselves because in the laws eyes we have aided a criminal in escaping his due judgment. It is wrong and a bad thing that this innocent man is going to jail but we should not prevent it even if it is in our power because it would have awful

Another way to think about this is how Wesley wrote in his sermon The Scripture Way of Salvation. On our journey to sanctification, he states, what keeps us going on the journey are the means of grace, whether they be for ourselves or done for others. His basic point was that once we are brought into awareness of the grace and our need to repent and turn from our sin, the means provide the nourishment our souls need to grow in grace. How else could one grow in grace than by means of grace?

Consequences—the result that almost always follows the actions committed by someone and in one such an incident as failing a course the consequences could set off a ripple of smaller reactions that could be detrimental to the person’s student career.

The natural world which mankind inhabits is visible to physical eyes. Tangible objects fill the scenes of this earthly realm. The world and its components are familiar and open to humanity and as a result most are comfortable with their natural environment and with what they can physically see. Yet, man is a two-fold being in that he is a spiritual being as well as an earthly one. Man possesses a soul, and that soul will live eternally. Of course, the soul of man pertains to the spiritual side of mankind where the spirit world play an integral role in the decisions he makes, the influences he is subjected to, and where the soul of man will ultimately spend eternity. The invisible spirit world is full of spirits which aid every soul in

In today’s society, adultery is viewed differently from the way it was viewed in the 1600’s. Adultery is sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not their spouse. In society today, people understand that it is not right to commit adultery, despite knowing that it is more of a common act. Adultery is committed, in the view of not being a punishable act, as it was in the 1600’s. Committing adultery in the 1600’s was considered committing one of the sins that cannot be forgiven.

consequences, like a wound, are usually self-inflicted. In the short stories “The Bet” by Anton Chekov and “Hey Come on Out” by Shinichi Hoshi, both authors authenticate the theme of consequences. Clear as day the theme appears to be consequences.

The bible, in particular the Old Testament, is full of instances of animal and human sacrifice. Initially, Israel was not united, and became united in their purpose to worship Yahweh, who is the lord that resides in the mountains. Worship involved the presentation of a number sacrifices. In the old testaments, there is mention of five different forms of offerings, the meat offering, a burnt offering, a peace offering, a guilt offering and the sin offering. Presenting sacrifice to God was considered to be an act of generous hospitality. But the question is, was Yahweh appeased by the sacrifices, or he actually detested it and only used it as test of faith?

Overwhelmed by the sin of the world, everything crumbled underneath the tight grasp Satan had on mankind. To heal and to cleanse the people of their sin, God brought His Son through a virgin to the earth in order to save everyone from their misdoings. As depicted in the York Play of the Crucifixion, actors reenact the powerful event of the great sacrifice Jesus made. This play displays how even through all of the pain and prejudice, Jesus felt no anger or rage towards those who persecuted him. Instead, he asked God to show mercy and forgiveness on them.

“When God created Eve…he took her straight from Adam’s side. None of us have fully recovered from the surgery. There is aloneness, an incompleteness that we experience everyday of our lives” (pg. 126). Chapter eight goes to mention the grand affair found between us and God. There are times in life where everyone around me seems to be in some type of relationship. This leaves me feeling lonely and questioning what I have done wrong to deserve this single season. However, it’s a natural feeling to crave union with the opposite sex. We were made to be long for intimacy. In the society we live in, I feel as if this unity between man and woman have been misunderstood. We don’t believe that intimacy is possible anymore because several people are turning to sex to ease the pain (pg. 135). Fortunately, God provides beauty and strength. When we are in a relationship, and both people seeks to put God first, God will enable us to see the desires we seek in the opposite sex. When it comes to relationships, we shouldn’t focus on the physical intimacy and attraction, but rather on worshipping

The story of a sinking ship, while this is not a unique concept by any means Yann Martel, author, creates a dynamic story of a young man who loses everything. Pi, at the time of the accident, is practicing three religions while afloat with a plethora of wild animals. He is the sole survivor along with a rag tag group of zoo animals. The group is left afloat a small lifeboat where Pi begins a spiritual journey paramount to those he encountered in India. Despite the accident destroying many things for Pi, such as his sense of stability and family, it also created many learning opportunities for him. He is now able to practice religions, reflect, and appreciate basic human necessities. The extended time at sea has also taught him many virtues such as patience along with a greater understanding of holy text.

As believers, we are constantly reminded that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. His death and his resurrection are fundamental to our Christian faith. Without his death, the relationship between God and His creation would have remained broken. Unfortunately, many believers do not take the time to consider the complex and deep meaning of Jesus’ death. If I have learned one concept throughout this class is that if I do not have a personal comprehension of Jesus’ death, I will never be saved. His death signifies salvation. It motivates us to imitate Jesus’ life as he was completely human and never sinned, yet he died on the cross in the cruelest way. Personally, Jesus’ death means love, reconciliation, redemption, and victory.

We sense that separation, that distance from God because of our sin. Deep down, our attitude may be one of active rebellion or passive indifference toward God and his ways. The result of sin in our lives is death -- spiritual separation from God. Although we may try to get close to God through our own effort, we inevitably fail. Just knowing what Jesus has done for us and what he is offering us is not enough. To have a relationship with God, we need to welcome him into our life...