INTERPRETING JESUS CHRIST'S SACRIFICE IN HEBREWS 10:1-18 IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SACRIFICE OF INIKPI IN IGALA SOCIETY

This study attempts an interpretation of Jesus Christ's sacrifice in Hebrews 1 0. 1 - 1 8 in the context of the sacrifice of Inikpi in Igala society with the aim of proffering a model for communicating the gospel to Igala traditionalists within their own cultural setting with lessons for the Nigerian nation. This is in line with the global task of making the Gospel relevant to every context. The researcher used the Inculturation approach, which is an aspect of contextualization of biblical interpretation in Africa. This study also used a combination of the library based source of data and a survey method to obtain information for the study. The findings of the study reveal that there are similarities between both sacrifices in the area of love, selflessness, willingness, obedience, courage and substitution. Moreover, they differ in scope since Jesus Christ died as a substitute for humanity while Inikpi died for Igala people alone. Jesus Christ's death reconciled man with God while Inikpi died to ensure her people's victory in a particular war. Jesus Christ's sacrifice is superior to the Inikpi sacrifice because it is not limited by time since the impact of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ avails for all generations. The researcher therefore recommends that the elements of similarities should he considered when communicating the gospel in Igala land in order to encourage selfless service and sacrifice among individuals in this society. It is expected that this approach will enhance understanding and a positive response from the listeners. Moreover, people in Nigeria should learn some lessons from the love, selflessness, courage, determination, volition, patriotism and obedience of Jesus Christ and Inikpi