"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", (Rom. 12:1).

    Here Paul begins to stress the importance of CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR, in view of the extensive doctrinal instruction that he has given in the earlier chapters of this epistle. Having been raised from the dead, our Lord progressively transforms His believing people into what He envisions them as becoming - by His grace, and through the instrumentality of His church, which is His "habitation" through the Holy Spirit, (Eph. 2:22).
    The author has carefully laid an essential foundation for such commitment as that to which he now calls his beloved brethren. Much has been said of our identification with Christ in His death - as symbolized by our burial in Christian baptism. In that act, the properly instructed believer declared himself to be DEAD TO SIN. That means nothing less than an intention to be UTTERLY FINISHED WITH SINNING! In that same act,

    Though he had stood head and shoulders above his Judaistic peers, when Saul met Jesus on the Damascus Road his sense of values was revolutionized. This dramatic contrast with the old standards is clearly stated in these verses. There had been things which he considered "GAIN". However, the spiritually matured PAUL can no longer regard them as such. Heretofore he had been striving for his own advantage - gloating over his race, religion and personal zeal as a miser over golden nuggets!
    But, what he once considered to be "gain", he regards as "loss for Christ" - that is, "for the sake of Christ". Here is a new factor, a new standard and a new reason for living! The coming of Jesus Christ into his life has reversed his total outlook. He no longer attempts to pass judgment on the wisdom and ways of God. Finally realizing his own "foolishness", he is now ready - not only to call Jesus "Lord", but to DO WHAT HE COMMANDS! Instead of living to please, honor and exalt himself in the eyes of men, this man now lives "for Christ's sake" - to hon-

or and magnify the name that is above every name! Here is positive proof of a NEW CREATION; such a spirit ought to be present in the life of everyone who has truly entrusted himself into the hands of the living Christ!
    For one supreme excellency Paul counted everything that the world holds dear as LOSS; the supreme desire of his heart was "for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord"!
    Is it not evident that this man has begun to view the totality of life in an entirely new light? With him this was no impulsive, emotional statement; it was the DELIBERATE CHOICE of his heart! Having carefully weighed "all things" beside his Lord, he opted for the eternal well-being of his soul over any momentary worldly gain that he might achieve. And it was a wise decision, (Matt. 16:26).
    Such all-excelling intimacy in knowing Jesus Christ is the ulti-

mate mountain peak of human experience. Therein the Lord Christ is crowned King of the intellect as well as of the heart - to reign supreme over the whole of life. Nothing else in the whole of human experience is so exalting, uplifting and ennobling as that which comes through walking in closeness of fellowship with Jesus!
    The writings of Paul clearly reveal his consciousness of the mystery of life itself. It is full of surprise and change. And as one develops, spiritually, there must be a constant re-assessment of values. Whereas a child may be satisfied with mere toys (I Cor. 13:11), Paul is now a new and constantly developing personality IN CHRIST JESUS. The conscious nearness of his Lord dominates the whole sphere of his spiritual manhood.
    "For Christ's sake" Paul has voluntarily suffered the loss of ALL THINGS - the sum-total of what he once valued: family, friends, his Pharisaic colleagues, and, to a great extent, the respect of his own countrymen. But, for Paul, the price has not been too exorbitant! The ever-increasing intimacy and blessedness of his relationship with Jesus Christ is worthwhile, satisfying, abundantly motivating and GLORIOUS! "It is GLORY just to walk with Him!" E.G.


    In the November issues of the CLARION HERALD I will give a report of the Conference that I recently attended at the Hallmark Baptist Church, of Simpsonville, S.C. It was a blessing! E.G.

of Christian baptism, he declared his RESURRECTION, with Christ, to a NEW LIFE that is sustained by His resurrection-power.
    Paul has insisted that an end must be made of the old "self" as an active participant in one's life and decisions. He is to be "reckoned" (regarded, or considered) DEAD - with no provision made for his continuing sustenance. But, if one would live triumphantly, his life must be governed and sustained by the Holy Spirit.
    The unwavering faithfulness of God to His people, as set forth in Romans 9-11, is a strong motivation for the abandonment of our ALL unto God for His total and perfect mastery.
    Contrary to the concept of most 20th-century philosophy, Paul calls for the commitment of BODIES in which Jesus Christ is the conscious life-motive. Nor does he expect from others something that is foreign to his own experience. Hear his word to the Philippians: "For to me to live IS CHRIST!" (1:21). Yielding to God on any other basis will be nothing more than a carnal effort to live the Christian life in the energies of the flesh - and no one can please God in this way.
    The apostolic appeal is to "brethren" - specifically, to members of the church at Rome. And it is such an appeal as comes from an honest, earnest and sincere heart, (comp. I Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 10:1; Eph. 4:1; I Pet. 2:11-12).
    "The mercies of God" are made the basis of his plea, (comp. 2 Cor. 1:3; Psa. 119:156). This re-

fers to God's stedfast love which is the very basis of our salvation, (Titus 3:5). But, it also suggests His utter FIDELITY - both to the truth, and to His covenant purpose, (Psa. 103:17-18; Lam. 3:22-23; Psa. 116:12; Matt. 10:39).
    Paul wants his brethren to "present" a thank-offering to God. This word "present" is used elsewhere:
    1) Of the presentation of the Christ-child in the Temple, (Luke 2:22)
    2) Of Paul's presenting his converts, (Col. 1:28).
    3) Of Christ's presenting His church, (Eph. 5:27). and
    4) Of the Christian's presenting himself, (Rom. 6:13).
    This sacrifice is to consist of one's MEMBERS - involving bodily desires and actions, in a conscious and voluntary surrender of EVERYTHING to God's will and service.
    True Christianity always involves both PURIFICATION and SANCTIFICATION of the body. The sacrifice Paul urges is a LIVING one, (I Thes 5:23; 2 Cor. 11:2-3; Rom. 6:16, 19, 22). In fact, God can accept ONLY the sacrifice of a HOLY LIFE, (Eph. 1:4; 5:26-27; Heb. 12:10-14).
    Several things are involved in an acceptable sacrifice:
    1) The avoidance of self-indulgence to gratify mere animal-appetites and sensual desires.
    2) The endurance of whatever hardship or deprivation that the service of Christ may require.
    3) And the faithful exercise of all one's bodily power in delightful and obedient service to the Christ. And Paul had adequate reason for placing such emphasis

on "the body" in relationship to divine service. Sexual vice was quite prevalent in the pagan world - such vice as NO ONE could practice and be FIT to serve the true, living and holy God. Beside this, many tended (as most do today) to regard THE HUMAN BODY as inherently and incurably EVIL - thus, excusing, or manifesting an attitude of moral indifference toward, the SINS "of the body"!
But, Paul views the work of salvation as involving THE WHOLE MAN; thus, our members are to be used as WEAPONS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS for God's service, (Rom, 6:13), and since the bodies of the saints are "members of Christ", and "temples of the Holy Spirit", we are responsible to glorify God IN OUR BODIES

as well as IN OUR SPIRITS, (I Cor. 6:15, l9-20).
    Such a sacrifice will be "acceptable", or well-pleasing, unto God, (Phil. 4:18; Rom. 14:18; Psa. 51:16-17; contr. Isa. 1:10-16). And, when all the facts are considered, such worship is REASONABLE, rational or logical; it harmonizes with the rational capacity with which man was created, (I Pet. 2:5; Phi. 2:17; 6:18; 2 Cor. 2:15-16; Rom. 15:16).
    Is YOUR BODY committed to honor the Lord? E.G.


    The time for 'Fellowship 88, at Rockford, Illinois, is drawing near. We are hopeful that many of our friends from across the nation will come again this year to SHARE OUR BLESSINGS!
    If you will let us know of your plans to attend, we will see that you have food and shelter while with us. As far as possible we will welcome you into our homes. But, when space runs out, we will provide for your needs in nearby motels. SO COME!
    Though Bro. Edward Byrd is to be speaking for us each evening during the week, the meeting will officially begin on Thursday morning, November 24, and continue thru Noon on Friday, the 25th.
    It is our earnest prayer that the "spirit of Christ" will prevail throughout this meeting. A sincere, cordial, Christian WELCOME awaits you! E.G.
    "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good!"