Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 6: Christian Experience Paradoxes
1. Introduction
In Romans 12:1, believers are urged to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” This paradox—a “living” sacrifice—appears contradictory. Sacrifices are, by definition, killed and offered, yet Christians are called to be living. This juxtaposition captures the profound reality of the Christian life: we are to die to self daily while simultaneously living in Christ with purpose and joy. This paradox is central to the nature of discipleship, spiritual transformation, and sanctification.
2. The Biblical Call to Sacrifice
2.1 Romans 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice…”
This is not a one-time event, but a continuous offering of one’s entire being to God.
2.2 Philippians 2:17
“Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”
Paul models self-giving service as a form of sacrificial life.
2.3 Luke 9:23
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Discipleship demands daily dying, not a mere symbolic act.
3. The Old Testament Background
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were slain and consumed (cf. Leviticus 1–7). The concept of a living sacrifice was alien. Thus, Paul’s exhortation in Romans is intentionally paradoxical—rooted in OT imagery but radically transformed by the resurrection. Unlike dead animals, believers continually live out their consecration.
4. Spiritual Meaning of a Living Sacrifice
4.1 Continuous Offering
The Christian is perpetually on the altar—a life surrendered to God’s will.
4.2 Dynamic Obedience
Unlike a passive, slain victim, the believer actively participates in God’s purposes.
4.3 Death to Sin, Life in Christ
Romans 6:11 – “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
This paradox is not just poetic—it’s the Christian’s daily spiritual experience.
5. Theological Framework
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sacrifice | Willing, daily surrender of the self to God |
| Living | Ongoing obedience, spiritual vitality, joy in service |
| Death to Self | Rejection of selfish will, ego, and worldly attachments |
| Life in Christ | New identity, divine empowerment, resurrection life (Galatians 2:20) |
6. Historical Theological Perspectives
6.1 Early Church
- Ignatius of Antioch described martyrdom as the fullest form of being a living sacrifice.
- Irenaeus connected sacrificial living with glorifying God through obedience.
6.2 Reformation and Puritan Thought
- Martin Luther viewed this paradox as expressing “the theology of the cross”—a continual death of the old nature.
- John Owen stressed mortification of sin as the daily application of this paradox.
6.3 Modern Reflection
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
- Elisabeth Elliot: Sacrificial obedience is the fruit of deep love and reverence for Christ.
7. Paradoxical Tensions Resolved
This paradox is not about biological death but spiritual renewal through surrender. Death to sin results in greater vitality, and the more we sacrifice our will, the more we are filled with divine purpose.
8. Pastoral and Devotional Implications
- Discipleship is costly—requiring our full attention, affection, and energy.
- Joy and suffering coexist in the believer’s sacrificial life.
- True worship is not limited to singing or rituals but lived obedience (cf. Romans 12:2).
9. Ethical and Missional Dimensions
- Christians are called to serve others at personal cost, reflecting Christ’s love.
- Sacrificial living fuels missions, charity, forgiveness, and perseverance.
10. Applications for the Church
- Church life should model this paradox: serving in love, not seeking comfort.
- Leaders must lead as living sacrifices, not performers or managers.
11. Summary Table
| Paradox | Biblical Resolution |
|---|---|
| Living Sacrifice | Ongoing surrender, not a one-time death |
| Dying Daily Yet Alive | Mortification of self leads to spiritual vitality (1 Corinthians 15:31) |
| Sacrificial Yet Joyful | Obedience and surrender yield joy and purpose |
| Offered Yet Empowered | Yielded to God but made alive by the Spirit (Romans 8:11) |
12. Conclusion
The paradox of being a living sacrifice reveals the essence of Christian discipleship: a life of constant yielding, where death to self brings about true spiritual life. Rather than a contradiction, this tension forms the heart of Christian identity—crucified with Christ, yet fully alive through Him. As living sacrifices, believers glorify God not by a moment of martyrdom, but through a lifetime of love, service, and daily surrender.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Luther, M. The Freedom of a Christian
- Bonhoeffer, D. The Cost of Discipleship
- Owen, J. Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers
- Irenaeus. Against Heresies
- Ignatius of Antioch. Letters to the Romans
- Elliot, E. Through Gates of Splendour