What did Paul plead with believers to present to God in Romans 12:1?
Paul pleaded with believers, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies—not their souls—as wholly acceptable to God, calling this their reasonable, logical, practical service. The plea stresses the body, the flesh and blood they operate in, not a mandate of law.
Les explains that Romans 12:1 contains Paul's plea, made by the mercies of God, for believers to present their bodies, not their souls, but the body—the flesh and blood we operate in—as wholly acceptable unto God. Les says this is the believer's reasonable, logical, practical service. He notes believers are not under a mandate of law or rules and regulations, but respond as the Holy Spirit leads them in their life of service and testimony. Les then connects this to Romans 12:2, warning against being conformed to the world's mold, because the world system is under the wicked one's control, and urging transformation instead.
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
On what basis does Paul beseech believers to present their bodies in Romans 12:1?
Paul's appeal "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God" rests on the basis of everything he wrote and taught in the first 8 chapters of Romans.
What is the basis of Paul's appeal in Romans 12:1?
When Paul says "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God," his appeal rests on the basis of everything he wrote and taught in the first 8 chapters of Romans.
Is Paul commanding believers in Romans 12:1 or pleading with them?
Paul, by inspiration, is not laying down a command that says "you will or else" — that is the difference between grace and law.