Romans 12:1 Quotes
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Source: Romans 12:1
Author: Paul of Tarsus
"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God"
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. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2, KJV)
Context
This line is found in Romans 12:1.
Paul's writing this piece of advice to a group of Christians who were living in Rome around 55 CE. Basically, he's a bit tired of the pettiness that's been going on in the community lately. See, Jesus had only been gone for about 20 years, but folks were having a tough time getting along without him.
Enter Paul. He's gonna tell it like it is.
Paul tells the Romans that Jesus wants them to follow the example he set before he died. They most definitely shouldn't be rude or arrogant or jerky to other people like the rest of the world (i.e., non-believers). Christians are held to a higher standard. And that's why these Christians need to give up their old selfish ways and serve God. It's really the only way to go. Just follow God with your entire being and everything you are and you'll be fine. No biggie.
Where you've heard it
Paul isn't talking about an actual human sacrifice here, but he is talking about giving up everything to follow God. We're not sure which is more intense, but you'll probably hear this verse quoted in the latter context a whole lot.
Additional Notable References:
- The song "We Love You" has a shout-out to this verse—"we present our bodies, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto you."
- When Paul talks about a "living sacrifice," he's alluding to the Jewish practice of offering sacrifices for God in the Temple in Jerusalem.
- Living Sacrifice is also the name of Christian death metal band. They rock. Literally.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
The language alone on this one might earn you some side-eyes, but try a more up-to-date translation (like the New Revised Standard Version) and you can drop the pretentious factor down a tiny bit.