Topical Encyclopedia Holiness is a fundamental attribute of God and a calling for His people. In the Christian faith, believers are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, which includes the presentation of their bodies as instruments of righteousness. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is a vital aspect of the believer's sanctification process.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, provides a clear exhortation regarding the presentation of our bodies to God. Romans 12:1 states, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This verse encapsulates the idea that believers are to dedicate their physical bodies to God as an act of worship, signifying a life set apart for His purposes. Living Sacrifices The concept of presenting one's body as a "living sacrifice" is a profound metaphor that contrasts with the Old Testament practice of offering dead animals as sacrifices. In the New Covenant, believers are called to offer themselves—alive and active in service to God. This involves a daily commitment to holiness, where one's actions, thoughts, and desires are aligned with God's will. Holiness in Conduct The call to holiness is not merely an internal or spiritual matter but extends to the physical realm. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds believers, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage underscores the sanctity of the believer's body as a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for purity and honor in how one lives. Moral and Ethical Implications Presenting one's body to God involves moral and ethical living. Ephesians 5:3 instructs, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed." The call to holiness encompasses all aspects of life, urging believers to abstain from behaviors that defile the body and dishonor God. Transformation and Renewal The process of presenting one's body to God is closely linked with the transformation and renewal of the mind. Romans 12:2 continues, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation is essential for living a holy life, as it enables believers to discern and pursue God's will in every aspect of their lives. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit The ability to present one's body as a holy sacrifice is not achieved through human effort alone but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 advises, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The indwelling Spirit provides the strength and guidance necessary for believers to overcome sinful desires and live in a manner that honors God. Conclusion The call to present one's body to God in holiness is a comprehensive mandate that encompasses worship, conduct, and transformation. It is a call to live a life that is distinct from the world, reflecting the character and holiness of God in every action and decision. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to fulfill this high calling, offering their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches ... Epistle xxx. To Constantina Augusta. Of what is to be Believed on the Subject of the Creation of Man ... "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C. Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs Sanctification. The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest. Letter xxii. St. Ambrose in a Letter to his Sister Gives an ... The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest. God Rejoicing in the New Creation Resources Is being holy even possible, since only God is holy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org Why did God speak to Moses out of the burning bush? | GotQuestions.org Holiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Holiness is the Result of God's Keeping Holiness is the Result of Subjection to God Holiness is the Result of The Manifestation of God's Grace Holiness is the Result of Union With Christ Holiness: Becoming to the Church Holiness: Behaviour of Aged Women should be As Becomes Holiness: Chastisements are Intended to Produce, in Saints Holiness: Christ: An Example of Holiness: Christ: Desires for his People Holiness: Christ: Effects, in his People Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Holiness: Ministers should Avoid Everything Inconsistent With Holiness: Ministers should be Examples of Holiness: Ministers should Exhort To Holiness: Ministers should Possess Holiness: Motives to The Dissolution of all Things Holiness: Motives to The Glory of God Holiness: Motives to The Love of Christ Holiness: Motives to The Mercies of God Holiness: Necessary to God's Worship Holiness: None Shall See God Without Holiness: Promise to Women Who Continue In Holiness: Promised to the Church Holiness: Saints: Have Their Fruit To Holiness: Saints: New Created In Holiness: Saints: Shall be Presented to God In Holiness: Saints: Shall Continue In, for Ever Holiness: Saints: should Continue In Holiness: Saints: should Follow After Holiness: Saints: should Have Their Conversation In Holiness: Saints: should Present Their Bodies to God In Holiness: Saints: should Seek Perfection In Holiness: Saints: should Serve God In Holiness: Saints: should Yield Their Members As Instruments of Holiness: should Lead to Separation from the Wicked Holiness: The Character of Christ, the Standard of Holiness: The Character of God, the Standard of Holiness: The Church is the Beauty of Holiness: The Gospel the Way of Holiness: The Wicked are Without Holiness: The Word of God the Means of Producing The Holiness of God is Incomparable The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Judgments The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Promises The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Character The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Kingdom The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Name The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Words The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Works The Holiness of God: Heavenly Hosts Adore The Holiness of God: Requires Holy Service The Holiness of God: Saints are Commanded to Imitate The Holiness of God: Saints should Praise The Holiness of God: should be Magnified The Holiness of God: should Produce Reverential Fear Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences) |
    |