Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. – Romans 12:1
The thing about sacrifice is that something living must die. In the Old Testament, animals would be slaughtered and offered to God in worship. The worshiper understood sin had a price and blood was the currency of remittance. The worshiper also knew the blood of bulls and goats was counterfeit currency, acceptable only in the abstract until the real thing, the priceless sacrificial blood of God’s Messiah, was available.
The picture of God’s forgiveness and fellowship being restored from the ravages of sin by applying blood has not changed. The difference now is that you live in the era after the Savior has come. You have fellowship with God without sacrificing animals because the price of sin has been paid by the blood of Jesus Christ.
In the New Testament, Paul makes the point that sacrifice has not been completely done away with! Today, you worship God as a living sacrifice! He clarifies that followers of Christ are to submit their very act of living, body, mind, and soul, as worship to God.
Human philosophy divides the world into secular and divine but God, as supreme Creator of all things, sits enthroned over everything, making it possible for you to dedicate your entire day, work, thoughts, and feelings, in worship to Him. Ask Him to show you any areas of life you have not yet offered Him. Dedicate yourself to fully living in sacrificial worship to God. Pray for unsaved public officials in America to come to the knowledge of God and accept the Savior, and that believers in governing positions would not separate their work and life but offer all to God in worship.
Today’s Verse: Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 13:12-16
12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
