Strong Idea, Uneven Execution
Sacrifice: Costly Grace and Glorious Privilege by Simon Guillebaud presents a clear and challenging vision of Christian sacrifice as something rooted in grace rather than duty. Its core message is compelling and worth reflecting on, especially in how it reframes sacrifice as a response to God.
However, the book feels a bit scattered, with ideas that don’t always connect smoothly. While it’s impactful in moments, it lacks the depth and structure that could have made it more memorable.
A short, thought-provoking read, but not as cohesive as it could be.
Bianca
In View of God's Mercy
I think this is a book that all of us need to read. Don't read it if you want a pat on the back. But if you need reminding of our call to carry our cross and inspiring to give our lives for Christ who gave everything for us, this book will do the job.
Rory
Too much guilt, not enough love.
I am sorry to disagree with the earlier reviewers, but I think this book uses guilt to motivate people to sacrifice, rather than fostering love for Christ which leads to a life lived for him. Doing something because you feel guilty is not doing it for the right reason. 1 Cor 13.3 "If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing." (ESV).
I felt that the tone is that God has done so much for us, and we haven't done enough for him, and we had better do something about it. The unspoken question is how much is enough? While I agree with Guillebaud that radical Christian living is possible whatever one's calling, the examples given are mostly missionaries. Does this mean that only missionaries, especially those to dangerous countries, are really living the Christian life to the full? That opens the door to a form of Christian elitism that goes against the equality of all callings (1 Cor 12).
An example is also quoted with approval of a Togolese woman who sold herself into slavery so that she could give money as an offering. I was shocked when I read that: Jesus came to set us free, not for us to make ourselves slaves of men.
It is such a shame, as I agree that many Western Christians (no doubt myself included) are too complacent and don't love and live for our Redeemer as much as we should. But a message of "you have failed, try harder" is not the Gospel. It is as we realise that we have failed and that we are forgiven in Christ by his love for us, that our love and sacrifice for him will grow.
Stephen Ayre
Massively challenging!
Really challenged when reading this! An excellent book about sacrificing all. Definitely a recommended read - but take time to do so properly, and consider and absorb what is said!
Nick Brake
I cannot recommend it enough.
This is a small book which packs a huge punch.
The author, a long–term missionary to Central Africa, takes the verses in Romans 12.1–2 and rigorously applies them to any Christian. He tells you clearly and convincingly how to be a living sacrifice for Jesus.
Can we expect Christians to live that kind of life anymore? Guillebaud answers with a resounding ‘Yes!’. He does it by using his own experiences in Africa, and those of martyrs who were known to him, as well as choosing some truly outstanding quotations and examples to push for such a commitment from us modern–age believers.
Some of these struck home to me: Bonhoeffer on cheap grace given the full context (pp.13–14); the extraordinary life of Robert Thomas, who died in Korea before even preaching once but whose Bibles were read as wallpaper and brought numerous conversions; Thomas Merton’s prayer (p.34): ‘I believe the desire to please you does in fact please you (more than anything else)’.
The book is worth the price for these illustrations alone. He pleads for the logical sacrifice of a total consecration to Jesus as Lord. He seeks to exhort us to live a life, like Jesus, of holy living that impacts our culture.
In the past, others have called for a sacrificial faith. This book is such a call to our generation to read, meditate upon and apply. It will not take very long to read but it could change us all for ever. I cannot recommend it enough.
Andrew Chappel
The privilege of sacrifice
A written sermon on Romans 12:1 challenging Christians to take up their cross. To *really* take up their cross, motivated by the mercies of God given to us. Lots of examples from history and Burundi. This is a great little book that packs a massive punch! Read if you dare. It'll be a book for the term for us at Church by the Bay. Thanks for this!
Gerry Straker
Sacrifice
This book was given to me by a friend, and not knowing quite what to expect, having now read it I feel compelled to comment; what a challenge! to me personally and to any Christian who thinks they are generally 'doing just fine' in the practical application of their faith. I, like anyone else who reads this litter book, have some really soul searching to do. Well worth a read.
Denis Tones
I beg you to read it.
When Howard Guinness wrote ‘Sacrifice’ in 1958 it set a high water mark on literature to challenge Christians. It is a classic, but, I believe it has recently been surpassed by Simon Guilibaud’s book of the same title! The little book is a practical, challenging exposition of Romans 12:1&2, and I would go on my knees to beg you to read it.
Roger Carswell
