Abstinence in the biblical context refers to the voluntary refraining from certain foods, drinks, or practices for spiritual reasons. It is often associated with fasting, a practice observed throughout the Bible as a means of seeking God, expressing repentance, or preparing for a significant spiritual event.

In the Old Testament, abstinence is frequently linked to the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Leviticus 11 outlines clean and unclean foods, which the Israelites were to abstain from as a sign of holiness and obedience to God. Daniel 1:8-16 provides an example of abstinence when Daniel and his friends refrained from eating the king's rich food and wine, choosing instead vegetables and water to maintain their purity.

In the New Testament, abstinence is often associated with fasting. Jesus Himself practiced fasting, as seen in Matthew 4:2: "After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry." Jesus also taught about fasting in Matthew 6:16-18, instructing His followers to fast in a manner that is sincere and not for show. The early church practiced fasting as a means of seeking guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 13:2-3: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'"

Abstinence is also discussed in the context of self-control and avoiding sinful behaviors. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." This highlights the broader application of abstinence as a discipline that extends beyond food and drink to encompass all areas of life where temptation may arise.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice in the Bible is a central theme that encompasses the offering of animals, grain, or other items to God as an act of worship, atonement, or thanksgiving. The concept of sacrifice is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people.

In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system was established through the Law of Moses. Leviticus chapters 1-7 detail various types of sacrifices, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. These sacrifices served multiple purposes, such as atoning for sin, expressing gratitude, and maintaining fellowship with God. The Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, was a significant annual event where the high priest made sacrifices for the sins of the people.

The concept of sacrifice is not limited to physical offerings. In 1 Samuel 15:22, Samuel emphasizes obedience over ritual sacrifice: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams."

In the New Testament, the sacrificial system finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate sacrifice, whose death on the cross atones for the sins of humanity, rendering the old sacrificial system obsolete.

Believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices. Romans 12:1 exhorts, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This call to sacrificial living extends to acts of love, service, and self-denial for the sake of others and the glory of God.

Sacrifice, therefore, is both a historical practice and a spiritual principle that underscores the relationship between God and His people, culminating in the redemptive work of Christ and the call to live sacrificially in response to His grace.