From Chapter 6—The Price of Blood: Sacrifice as a Foundational Principle of the Kingdom

The kingdom of God is the greatest project ever undertaken—by God or man. The one organization that will last until the end of time and crush all nations and systems posed against it has more blood at its feet, literally and figuratively, than any entity in human history. Even its founder was not spared this absolute requirement but set the standard by giving his own, innocent life.

Like a wide stream, the theme of sacrifice for kingdom advancement flows freely through the marrow of the New Testament. Jesus first forges its path when speaking of his impending death.

“The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified,” he announces. “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” ( John 12:23–24). To Jesus, death must precede life; self-sacrifice, the good of others; pain, growth in the kingdom.

This principle applies not only to Jesus but to every person who truly becomes his disciple. It is, in effect, a rite of initiation into his service. Jesus goes on in John, “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me … ” ( John 12:25–26a). Follow you where, Jesus? To the cross, of course. Each believer must have his own crucifixion event.