Why does Paul tell believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice in Romans 12?
Paul tells believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice because of the mercies of God. Since God secures them so completely that nothing can touch them, this presentation is the fitting response—wholly acceptable to God—that Paul appeals to them to make.
Les teaches that Paul's appeal rests on the mercies of God and on the truth that God secures us so completely that nothing can touch us. Therefore, Paul beseeches brethren to present their bodies a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God, which is their reason. Les explains that this fits the flow of Romans: Paul is leaving off his instructions and doctrines for Gentiles and will deal with Israel for three chapters—past, present, future. He also illustrates Paul's sacrificial burden for Israel, saying Paul had great heaviness and continual sorrow and could wish himself accursed from Christ for the Jew, much like Moses asked God to blot his name out to spare Israel.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
More Questions
What does it mean to present your body as a living sacrifice?
Presenting your body as a living sacrifice means simply saying, 'Lord, here am I. Use me.'
How does God's complete security for believers relate to presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice?
Because God secures believers so completely that nothing can touch them, they are called to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God.
What does Paul ask believers to present to God in Romans 12:1?
Paul beseeches believers by the mercies of God to present their bodies, not their soul, as wholly acceptable to God, which is their reasonable, logical, practical service.