A LIVING SACRIFICE.

August 24

Romans 12:1  

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. 

When a beast was set apart for a sacrifice, it was considered sacred, and was carefully preserved from all injury.

The Christian is devoted; he is intended for the ALTAR, his body as well as his soul, and he is required to present it to God holy, acceptable, and as a reasonable service.

It is not to be defiled by fornication,

 by intoxication,

 by gluttony,

 by filth

, or by pride; 

he is to look upon it as the Lord’s, brought with the blood of Jesus, concentrated as the temple of the Holy Ghost, set apart to be the habitation of a Holy God.

The believer’s body should not be united by marriage to an unbeliever;

 this is SACRILEGE, for the vessel is holy;

 it is REBELLION, for it to be plainly and positively forbidden, it is SINNING WILFULLY, and provoking the eyes of divine holiness.

It is offering INSULT to the God of love, and calling upon Him to vindicate His injury mercy.

Believer, present thy body daily to God, wash it in pure water; that is cleansed from defilement by observing His word, never call that common which God has concentrated, or debased that which He has devoted to Himself.

Let God have His own, and all that is His own, especially thyself.

Lord, it is but just and right

That I should be wholly thine;

Only in Thy will delight

In Thy blessed service join.

Now my sacrifice receive,

Give me grace to Thee to live.

James Smith