RENEW YOUR MIND
Going Deep into Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
- Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
"By the Mercies of God"
As we recall back from Romans 11, Paul warns us not to be turning our noses up at the descendants of the Israelites, as they are part of God's original covenant. From verse 16-24, he speaks of olive tree roots, branches being broken off due to unbelief, and branches being grafted back in through faith.
But at the risk of getting lost in the forest (or olive grove) let's just simplify things by saying that before salvation, the Gentiles were once disobedient; yet by faith, obtained salvation through the mercies of God. Also too, the Israelites have been disobedient, yet still have an opportunity to be saved, by the same mercies of God that was given to the Gentiles.
Earlier in this letter to the Romans in 3:23, Paul declares that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Likewise, salvation is a gift available to all . . . all who believe!
Back to chapter 11, vs. 32 points to a singular source, and a singular solution, "for God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all."
This revelation of God's righteousness and sovereignty launches Paul, as I can only imagine, into a statement of praise and worship, as vs. 33 continues, "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!"
Paul is rejoicing on how unimaginably DEEP God is! Like mind blowing deep! Mic dropping deep!
Once again, the chapter ends in fitting recognition that all things were created by God and for God! (Colossians 1:16) "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:36)
By the (matchless) mercies of God . . . (pause for a Psalm 136 praise break) . . . "for His mercy endures FOREVER!"