Romans 12:1-2 CEB

So, 

brothers and sisters, because of God's mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. 

This is your appropriate priestly service.

Don't be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God's will is - what is good and pleasing and mature.  

Romans 12:1-2 CEB

Paul uses the priestly connection, priestly metaphor here, placing his readers, Christ followers, as priests. 

Priests who have access to the Holy of Holies, access to the presence of God, who bring sacrifices, who atone.

But it's all shifted - we're not to bring a lamb or a bird or some other token or symbol, but ourselves. 

Our whole self.

This is more than an intellectual or spiritual exercise, it's a physical one too. 

What we do matters.

A priest brings a sacrifice to atone, hoping it is good enough, pure enough, enough.

In Jesus the atoning has already happened. We are already enough.

And Paul is still inviting us as Priests to step towards God.

Already accepted.

Why?

So we get to see, know, understand a little more of the heart of God, and to live in the light of His heart...

#letters

#redemptivestrands

#hopeishere

#weareBeloved