Saving God’s Child

Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire. [This] is detestable to the Lord.  Deuteronomy 18:10, 12a (NIV) 

Human sacrifice, especially of children, was tragically common in the ancient world to appease angry gods. 

Israel’s God stood apart. This practice was not only wrong, it was utterly detestable. God stayed Abraham’s hand from sacrificing his son, Isaac. From that point forward, Torah and the prophets are emphatic: human sacrifice is totally off-limits. 

Yet many Christian atonement theories claim that God required the death of God’s Son as a payment for sin. By Scripture’s own standard, this idea is unthinkable. If God condemned child sacrifice in every form, why suddenly demand it of Godself? 

The Hebrew Bible repeatedly teaches that forgiveness does not require blood, much less a human life. Atonement comes through repentance (teshuvah), mercy, prayer, charity, even flour offerings or incense. Blood sacrifice only covered unintentional sins. 

Jesus never taught blood sacrifice as a requirement. He forgave sins freely, without lambs, altars, or conditions. “Neither do I condemn you.” “Your sins are forgiven.” “Father, forgive them…” 

In rejecting child sacrifice, both the Elder Testament and Jesus himself reveal a God who is not bloodthirsty, but merciful; a God who calls us not to ritual violence, but to return, repair, and forgive. 

Prayer
God, we already ask too much of our children. Instead of believing they will save us, give us the courage to save the world for them.

About the Author
Matt Laney is co-Pastor of Virginia Highland Church UCC in Atlanta, GA and the author of Pride Wars, a fantasy series published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Young Readers. The first two books, The Spinner Prince and The Four Guardians are available now.