Though western culture doesn’t understand the concept of ancient sacrifice, not in small part due to Christianity, they are a distinctly human thing to do. Ritual sacrifice for the atonement of one’s sins is prevalent in ancient cultures and still common in the form mysticism. Humans have a need for this type of atonement. The concept of ritual reciprocity is still practiced today by well meaning Christians who mutter commitments to God every time a struggle comes their way. Christian’s ought to understand that this behavior is part of an old system that needs to be transformed. Christ changed the meaning of sacrifice by his work on the cross. His sacrifice was free. Our benefit doesn’t cost us anything. Therefore, the sacrifices we present no longer atone. They never did so well anyway. Instead, the new covenant brings a different type of sacrifice. Our sacrifice is one of praise and adoration. The cost to us is a benefit to us. No longer do we need to sacrifice in hysterical pagan rituals, spilling the blood of the innocents. Instead we become a living sacrifice to honor the innocent blood and that was already spilled. It is finished. We no longer have to live in fear of a cost that is too high to pay. Christ paid it for all.