12:1Romans 12:1

In view of all His mercies God appeals to believers to give their bodies to Him as a living, holy and acceptable offering, which is their reasonable worship.ST Nov 28, 1911+2 This is reasonable because human beings belong to Him both by creation and by redemption through Christ's blood shed at infinite cost, so He claims willing service of body, soul, spirit and all they possess.ST Nov 28, 1911+4 What He accepts is entire and unreserved surrender with nothing held back, for He will not accept half a sacrifice or a lame offering but requires perfect willing service.Lt 63, 1903, par. 26+4 Like the ancient sacrifices that had to be without blemish, the living offering must be kept holy and in the best condition, which means preserving physical, mental and moral powers in health by temperance, self-control over appetite, and refusal of defiling indulgences.CH 88.1+4 Together with the next verse this calls for refusing conformity to the world and being transformed by the renewing of the mind to prove God's good, acceptable and perfect will, working out in active self-denying service for others with every talent and power used to honor God.Ms 111, 1901, par. 1–2+4

The appeal is addressed to believers, and on the ground of God's mercies it calls them to place their bodies before Him as a living offering that is holy and acceptable, which is their reasonable service.ST Nov 28, 1911+4 Human beings belong to Him because He made them and because He redeemed them through Christ's precious blood, so as Maker and rightful owner He claims their willing service.ST Nov 28, 1911 That bodily devotion means keeping the body in the best possible health, practicing temperance in all things, and cutting away unholy appetites and passions that harm physical or moral powers, since body and spirit belong to God and are to glorify Him.CH 384.1+2 For physicians in particular this makes care of the body part of duty to God, including teaching temperance and health reform.CH 384.1+1

Joined to the next verse, the passage gives the rule for proving what is God's good and acceptable and perfect will, by refusing conformity to the world and being transformed by the renewing of the mind.Ms 111, 1901, par. 1–2+4 That renewal comes through full surrender of body and spirit to God, receiving the Word, and gaining a living experience in probationary time, and understanding His will belongs together with wholly presenting oneself.Ms 111, 1901, par. 1–2+2 Such surrender is the condition for seeing every promise fulfilled, opening the soul heavenward to receive light, peace, and joy and leading to an obedient walk.Ms 66, 1899, par. 21 It works out in the conduct of Christians toward one another as members of the heavenly family who help and strengthen each other, with heaven to be won by overcoming as Christ overcame.Ms 100, 1901, par. 2–5

It also means refusing inordinate appetite for unhealthful things, perverted taste grown second nature by indulgence, and life-destroying practices copied from lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, remembering that life comes from God and human beings are not their own but His property, so health, truth, righteousness, and eternal life must not be sacrificed for the world.Ms 140, 1897, par. 1–3 Even when serving God collides with common opinions and modes of thinking and practice, those opinions must not influence to wrong.Ms 140, 1897, par. 1–3 The same appeal applies to educating children and conducting schools, that those under covenant to bring them up not for the world but to love and fear God and keep His commandments, and schools established to educate youth to work in Christ's lines, must not become converted to the world by following its customs and fashions but must present a noble Christian character and exert an influence for God.FE 289.2+1

The chapter containing the appeal is instruction of high value that serves as history for all churches, giving lessons on religious duty for every member, each with a different fitted work blending into a complete whole.Ms 158, 1907, par. 5–6+1 It is to be carefully studied and made a guide for future labors, containing wonderful truths not yet practiced, with God's voice speaking in clear strong words as if in golden characters, and with the renewal and transformation of the next verse it is a lesson for all claiming church membership to study.Lt 183, 1909, par. 1–2+2 The work of God must be carried on a higher plane, with shepherds representing the great Shepherd and without dominating masterly power that dictates to the Lord's people what they shall do and shall not do, since that ruling power is a dangerous ungodly element, another gospel and not Christ's righteousness, which must no longer be allowed and which spoils the church.Ms 158, 1907, par. 5–6 Faithful service is a willing offering of spirit and every power under the Spirit's work bringing the soul into harmony with God, which is true sanctification as a lifelong work begun on earth and completed in glory.ST Jan 16, 1879 Serving acceptably requires knowing what is asked, so careful study of the Word gives the sure guide for that service and guards against temptation, while daily seeking God's help keeps the Holy Spirit's sustaining influence.ST Jan 16, 1879+1

The service required is a life offered to God rather than a ritual sacrifice, expressed in good deeds, pure living, mercy, humility, care for human need, reverence, trust, and prayer for guidance, as an ordered life rooted in faith that God is good and following the Master's footsteps until daily conduct becomes praise to God. Keeping God's law is that reasonable service, for God bases His commands on conditions altogether sufficient for perfect obedience and encourages obedience by promising to dwell in believers and walk in them and be their God.Ms 69, 1906, par. 13–15

The true God's required service is reasonable, in contrast with Baal-worship.RH Sep 25, 1913+1 Israel's idolatry dishonored Him, while the proper response to His justice and mercy was acknowledging Him and owing Him allegiance.RH Sep 25, 1913 On Carmel the answer to the fire revealed this service as acknowledging God, turning from idols, and giving Him owed allegiance, while His withholding dew and rain until the people confessed His name showed both His justice and His mercy.PK 152.3–153.2

Music in worship belongs to that reasonable service when voices lifted in praise and devotion in glorious harmony, with instrumental aid where practicable, ascend to God as an acceptable offering.4T 71.1–2 It requires beauty, pathos, power, discipline of singers, consultation, leadership, and well-matured plans rather than impulse, personal style, and blundering, with thinking powers set apart for Christ and common sense in worship devising ways and means to serve Him best, living out truth, seeking to save souls, and working under the Spirit's discipline and not carelessly, since labor for eternity demands consecrated order.4T 71.1–2 The same appeal by God's mercies is applied to refusing human rules or councils that restrict liberty in Christ and keep believers from receiving further light from God.ST Jul 5, 1910 It is also an appeal to be on guard, spoken to brethren and especially to ministers and teachers, calling them to examine whether they are in the faith, because the world is full of speculation and false theories regarding God's nature, character, and personality which the enemy is earnestly working to introduce as pleasing speculation and incorrect views.8MR 425.1+1

Human beings belong to God by creation and by redemption through Christ's precious blood, and because He made them at infinite cost He stands as maker, proprietor and rightful owner with claim on their willing, wholehearted service of body, soul, spirit and all they possess.ST Nov 28, 1911+4 Presenting the body as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice is reasonable service in response to His mercies, meaning time, strength, intellect, means, abilities and possessions devoted to honor and glorify Him, with life itself coming from Him so that health, truth, righteousness and eternal life must not be sacrificed for the world.ST Nov 28, 1911+3 Bodily habits must therefore be guarded and controlled, faculties of mind and body preserved in best condition, and appetite and practice brought into obedience so body, soul and spirit are renewed and His image restored.Lt 90, 1898, par. 21–23+2

Because believers are bought with a price and are Christ's property, continuing in sinful practices misrepresents Him and brings Him shame, and no one can honor Him while following any course that blemishes body or soul or weakens powers for service.Lt 90, 1898, par. 21–23+3 Damaging habits through indulgence decrease power for influence, leave the person imperfect and unable to render perfect service, paralyze noble faculties, pervert aspirations and deface soul and body.Lt 90, 1898, par. 21–23+2 God mercifully accepts the remnant of an abused life when the sinner repents and seeks pardon, but it remains an inferior offering to a pure and holy God.HRP 7.2

The worth of self-offering is measured by the expensive offering on Calvary revealing the value of the soul, for Christ gave Himself as ransom to make believers His free servants.Lt 90, 1898, par. 21–23+3 Because He gave so much, nothing is too precious to withhold, and even the fullest offering of heart, hands, time, property, abilities and means is small beside what He has done.ST Mar 16, 1882 Those who love God are thus obligated in love-driven obedience to follow their spiritual Leader and to seek to save souls, presenting them to Christ as sheaves.SPBC 223.4+1

The mercies calling for response are all good things enjoyed by divine love, provision for soul and body, daily favor and bounty, and above all Jesus Christ, heaven's best gift of infinite value given with promise of all things with Him.Ms 25, 1894, par. 9–11+2 That gift was given to humiliation, self-denial, poverty, toil, reproach, mocking and crucifixion without sparing Him, and because it is infinite and free it holds infinite claims on confidence, obedience, the whole heart and the wealth of the affections, requiring complete submission wanting in nothing while opportunity remains.Ms 25, 1894, par. 9–11+1 The reasonable response is stewardship, since all belongs to God and His gifts are entrusted as to almoners, with tithes and offerings reserved for His house to advance His work and furnish means for work such as at the nation's capital and at Loma Linda outside the cities through gifts and low-interest loans, laying up treasure in heaven; withholding what He reserved is robbery leaving an unhappy spiritual condition.Ms 25, 1894, par. 9–11+1

Because God gave His Son He claims the whole heart and willing obedience with nothing withheld, and Christ demands undivided affections with right to expect love freely given, for He died at infinite price to obtain it.STSE 42.2+3 What is given is a sin-polluted soul for Jesus to purify, cleanse and save by His matchless love and blood, an offering He accepts, and those feeling His constraining love do not ask how little will obtain reward nor seek the lowest standard but aim at perfect conformity with ardent zeal proportionate to immortality and eternal life.1T 160.1–3 Withholding that service spends years in the service of Christ's worst enemy, to be bitterly lamented when Christ comes or life is called for, while choosing Christ and truth will bring no regret.Lt 10, 1881, par. 6 Giving self wholly is reasonable because all belongs to Creator and Redeemer and came from Him, including time, influence, means, business dealings and thoughts regulated by His Word.Ms 194, 1898, par. 11–12+4 Believers as accountable stewards owe life-service, no longer free to use time and abilities as they choose but using powers for His cause, and this consecration is both daily duty and privilege, including humble confession and practical obedience rather than mere profession.Ms 158, 1902, par. 41–42+3

God's mercy and redemption strongly obligate service, calling believers to dedicate soul, body, property and means to advance His work, keeping appetites under control and eating, dressing and working to glorify Him.OFWP 7.1–8.1+2 Willing self-denying offerings and benevolence place all on the altar as co-laborers, evidence truth doing its work on the heart, and are to be done cheerfully, willingly and without loss of time.OFWP 7.1–8.1+2 The reasonable response to Jesus giving His precious life from God's love is to give oneself without delay as a precious, fragrant offering by placing the will on God's side, deciding to become son or daughter and part of His heritage.Lt 143, 1902, par. 11–12+2 It means coming weak, sinful, ignorant and unworthy to receive mercy and pardon, trusting Him for rest and transformation through living faith, holding His cause dearer than life, using all means to advance it, and surrendering wholly rather than taking back entrusted burdens, moved by the soul's value and salvation's great cost not to be passed over lightly.Lt 143, 1902, par. 11–12+3

God's love places renewed obligation to give self wholly and share received blessing, for in response to Christ's death and pardon received, life, soul and all are owed with no place for pride or rival claims.SC 127+1 Since Christ endured sorrow, hardship, temptation, pain, scorn and death, patient self-denying service is reasonable and no sacrifice required is too great.ST Jan 21, 1897 Those who belong to God, bought with His Son's life-blood, are to live transformed lives, give minds and bodies with cheerful unqualified obedience without selfish ambition, and use highest service by faithfully saving souls.RH Mar 24, 1903+2 Time, talents, affections, strength and possessions are poured out in unselfish service in a tide of love for the lost, with undivided energies revealing truth's beauty and carrying forward salvation with power, for a name on the church book does not make a Christian but true believers become servants of His love and His helping hand, asking what the Lord wants and working earnestly and perseveringly without narrow, indolent selfishness.RH Dec 10, 1901+2 Whole sacrifice of body, soul and spirit is owed because Christ sacrificed His whole being to give life measuring with the life of the Eternal and paid the ransom, so body and spirit which are God's must glorify God.Ms 100, 1901, par. 6–8 Giving life to God is therefore not a sacrifice, and if there is willingness to do, doing is possible, giving experiential knowledge that His doctrine is truth and building up in most holy faith with higher standard, strengthened capabilities, living faith seizing neglected gifts, faithful representation of the Redeemer and refusal of a worldly spirit.Ms 100, 1901, par. 6–8

God accepts only the giving of all, with nothing held apart in affections, talents, possessions, time or strength, and He will not accept half a sacrifice or a lame offering but requires perfect, holy, living service, yet He does not compel obedience but leaves each to choose the Saviour and eternal life or eternal death.Lt 63, 1903, par. 26+4 Violating even one precept does violence to the moral and spiritual nature, so wholehearted surrender is the only safety.Lt 8, 1888, par. 21+1 When the body is thus given without reserve, the Word becomes pleasant and profitable, a light to the feet and a lamp to the path, and trouble, perplexity and even poverty do not discourage because the life abides in Christ the Rock by simple truth.Lt 8, 1888, par. 21+1 Jesus requires a whole sacrifice and complete consecration, and giving self holding nothing back is acceptable to Him.Lt 117, 1903, par. 1+1

Presenting self is the day-by-day duty of every soul, a living, holy, consecrated offering that proves by experimental knowledge what acceptable service is and demonstrates its reality to the world.Lt 255, 1899, par. 5–8+1 The offering must be free from selfishness and complete, made wholly acceptable through complete trust in Christ, and consecrated anew each day.ST May 10, 1905+1 God accepts the sinner just as he is and then cleanses, purifies, sanctifies and restores His moral image to make him a channel of light and blessing glorifying Christ, which must be done else he cannot see His face.Lt 255, 1899, par. 5–8 This surrender lets the Holy Spirit control and shape words and conduct into God's likeness so truth is lived.ST Oct 11, 1899

Daily unreserved consecration devotes soul, body, spirit and every lifelong capability and energy to His service under His unrivaled authority, recognizing all belongs to Him for His glory.Lt 147, 1896, par. 9+2 It means obeying the commands of His Word as a voice from heaven, studying the living oracles with the Bible as the molding standard, conforming character to Christ so works harmonize with profession and give example, maintaining vital contact rather than admiring at a distance, denying inclination and sacrificing to become like Him.Ms 109, 1894, par. 4+1 It belongs with humility and dying to self, willing to be led and disciplined, so Christ's love fills the heart and self takes its lesser place.Lt 44, 1910, par. 17

Laying all upon the altar as a living, consuming sacrifice means binding it there with cords when resolve wavers, living at the altar in prayer, strengthening purpose by promises, denying self daily and accepting suffering for Christ as preparation for eternal life and glory.ExVEGW 54.2–3+2 The sacrifice includes self, property, wealth and all one has with nothing held back, and those given more than the plainest are humbled under greater obligation to noble generosity, seeking opportunities to do good and laying up treasure in heaven rather than on earth.ExVEGW 54.2–3+2 It means yielding back whatever portion of His loans He requires without fearing cost, for fear that truth costs too much is Satan's suggestion, and even if it takes all, it does not cost too much beside the eternal weight of glory and what the divine Lord sacrificed.1T 544.2–545.2

Giving self means giving up ease, pleasure, comfort, convenience, personal will and selfish wishes for Christ's cause and His little ones, not living to gratify self but finding happiness in making others happy.SG2 95.2+2 It means enduring labor, fatigue, pain, hunger, cold and heat in doing good and standing ready to suffer more if God requires, for such costly self-sacrifice is necessary to reign with Christ.SG2 95.2+1 It means laying worldly property on the altar, getting the world out of the heart, being willing to sell part or all of a farm for His cause instead of pleading for treasure here, which brings freedom from a low worldly discouraged state, while clinging to earthly treasure pulls others back.RH Apr 15, 1858

Offering self includes presenting the body for service, and giving goods to the Possessor of heaven and earth while withholding self cannot meet approval nor secure blessing.3T 57.1+1 Success comes not from human strength but from the power and wisdom of Him who employs and works with consecrated instruments, calling for a heart principle to lay all, even self, in willing readiness to be sent.3T 57.1 Giving material support in another's place is never enough, for God requires more than paid work or money gifts; each must serve personally whatever the occupation.Lt 7, 1883, par. 7–8

Service acceptable to God requires self laid on the altar as a living, consuming sacrifice with converted heart, right motives and holy root, for even splendid talents and service are unacceptable while self remains unlaid.COL 350.3+4 Sound fruit depends on a holy root and the inner lamp receiving oil from heaven, and the Lord's communication does not come in vain.7T 248.3+1 Worldly ambitions and human plans perish, but those who turn many to righteousness endure in glory.GW 371.2

Presenting self requires the whole being, complete consecration and entire submission with no part of mind left under Satan's control, self crucified even when it feels like giving the heart's lifeblood.GW92 470.2–3 It means presenting an emptied nature by renouncing self, crucifying pride and self-sufficiency, refusing to keep one's own temperament and mold, bringing the will into perfect conformity with God's will and consecrating all to His service.ST Nov 21, 1892 When self dies an intense desire for others' salvation awakens in persistent effort to do good and earnest prayer for perishing souls, for love for Jesus leads to ardent love for others.GW92 470.2–3 When the cost is counted and willingly paid, God by His Spirit supplies the vacuum of self-renunciation with His Spirit, power and fullness, manifests transforming grace, abides with and blesses those abiding in Christ to diffuse blessing and prepare for eternity through receiving Christ's mind and the divine Pattern.ST Nov 21, 1892

Entire consecration of every mental faculty and power of being as a living sacrifice brings one up into the mount more directly into God's presence, and is required of all naming Christ because a coming crisis greater than any since the world began demands it.Ms 32, 1890, par. 3 The voice of duty is the voice of God demanding unreserved consecration of soul and body, claiming the highest grace-aided service with every capability used, each standing at his post to lead men and women to the Saviour and win victory against darkness.Lt 39, 1905, par. 15–18

God accepts nothing less than absolute surrender of mind, heart, will, strength and entire being to His control, whereupon He guides with reproof, warning and encouragement, and a God-alone power simplifies the soul's movements binding man to God as a thread of gold.Lt 138, 1899, par. 4 Giving heart and abilities is a willing offering rather than a loss or sacrifice, because all came from Him and the soul was purchased by Christ to be rendered back holy.MYP 70.2+1

True consecration is not achieved by talking or praying while holding to self-will but must be practiced in words, actions and relationships.Lt 7a, 1886, par. 3 Determined consecration honors God in word and deed, sets the mark high, gains decided victories by constant watchfulness, and counts giving self a privilege.Lt 1, 1905, par. 4 Entire consecration to present necessities means self-denial in food, clothing, self-indulgence and needless adorning, repentance for lack of response, refusing to leave work for another, arising to responsibility, using money as the Lord's, educating children for missionary work and offerings, and awaking to the spiritual character of the work.Ms 57, 1908, par. 12

Full self-giving lays self, soul, body and spirit on the altar in unreserved dedication, devoting entire strength at all times to work for souls as co-workers with Christ, idling no moment because time is very short.Lt 15, 1872, par. 2 When all is thus dedicated God works with human effort and gives a large measure of the Spirit to bless and encourage in cheerful following of His leadings.Lt 15, 1872, par. 2 Laying self, wife and children there by committing them to Jesus in faith, resting trustfully on promises and looking ever to Him, encircles with loving arms, kindles holy joy, keeps cheer and courage, preserves health of body, mind and spirit, and gives the enemy no chance to lead to complaint.Lt 79, 1902, par. 9–10

Surrender means giving self wholly to Jesus because in great love He surrendered Himself to meet the striving soul's necessities, and it must be entire, whereupon He finishes His begun work and brings complete restoration.Ms 11, 1902, par. 8–9 Without it no one can glorify God, for glorifying Him requires life free from worldliness and corruption.Ms 11, 1902, par. 8–9 It means choosing between selfishness and sin on one hand and Christ, His purity and righteousness on the other by surrendering heart, soul and body, after which one is no longer sin's servant.Lt 1e, 1890, par. 14

Binding self to the altar means accepting duty and responsibility rather than leaving burdens to others, seeking God's counsel and doing His will even when it humbles self, which brings deeper happiness than pleasing self.Lt 60, 1874, par. 2–3 It means laying self in earnest wrestling prayer with broken heart, confession, putting away criticism, judging, suspicion and standing apart, bringing self to task, which clears the fog hiding Jesus, brings great blessing and opens the way for the Spirit where unbelief hindered Him.Lt 7, 1899, par. 2–3

Consecration means recognizing self as God's, bought with a price and no longer free to use time and abilities as one chooses, but using powers for His cause in devoted service.Lt 51a, 1878, par. 4–8 Weariness in holding self thus reflects need for renewed consecration.Lt 51a, 1878, par. 4–8 As the Spirit works, self is crucified and Christ gives grace and clear understanding of need, making it possible for God to accomplish His work through His people.Lt 270, 1907, par. 4

Giving self wholly with no reservation and letting self die rather than preserving part is the fitting response to mercy and demands undivided affections and entire consecration.1T 240.1+1 The lukewarm must arouse to personal effort for salvation through the Spirit's heart-work and feel individual responsibility and gain personal experience or fail of everlasting life.1T 240.1 That consecration loves and chooses God's people's society above all, separates from loveless society and those without regard for sacred truth, and forbids sinking to ordinary profession content with enough religion to be agreeable without censure.1T 240.1

Coming to the cross and presenting self at the altar is the way to receive heavenly light, where weakness is exposed and strength found in Christ who fully saves those coming to God through Him.CE 81.2 After peace with God in assured forgiveness through His Son, feeling truth's sanctifying power in heart, life and character, striving for conscience void of offense toward God and man, pleading for friends and neighbors, and placing all on the altar, one can engage profitably in soul-winning.Ms 2, 1914, par. 11

Placing self and possessions on the altar includes confessing sin and searching the heart to put sin away, as disciples did in prayer preparing for the promised Spirit.Lt 178, 1907, par. 7–8 Laying soul, body and spirit there for repairs is a personal act of earnest faith for healing, not depending on others, seeking the Lord directly believing He wants to heal, trusting the greatest Physician who saves to the uttermost.9MR 284.2

God's work always has conditions requiring unreserved dedication in soul, body and spirit, holding fast amid self-denial, trial, discouragement and suffering with martyr devotion and heroic courage to the hand that never lets go.Lt 183, 1899, par. 24 Putting the instruction into practice with changed attitude and controlled self keeps one useful, sets reachable perfection, and shows intelligent pure belief in grace placing feet on the eternal Rock without losing past success when warning is heeded.21MR 277.6

Consecration is giving self wholly to God's work following Christ who gave Himself with earthly interests and affections subordinate to redemption, visible in devotion to carrying forward His work.RH Nov 21, 1907+1 It means putting self aside to make room for the Spirit, living wholly consecrated in soul, body and spirit, whereupon there is no limit to usefulness but constant new endowment of physical, mental and spiritual power as the Spirit puts forth highest energies in heart and mind.6MR 327.2+1 With heaven cooperating, victories over erroneous opinions, defects, small faith and impossibilities are achieved to reveal what humanity may become through union with the Divine for saving perishing souls.6MR 327.2+1

Serving God requires willing surrender of the whole self as an offering, putting away pride and selfishness, making His work first, giving up pleasure and inclination for truth and bearing burdens for others, whereupon He blesses with wisdom and strength and works through believers to glorify Himself.ST Jul 15, 1880 Giving soul, body and spirit fully because purchased makes believers His witnesses testifying by word and action that He is mighty to save, while He works through the surrendered life to His honor, creating desire for God's friendship and longing to reflect Jesus to family and the ignorant.Lt 51, 1894, par. 5–9 The living sacrifice appears in patience, meekness, forbearance, respect and obedience to parents, guarding affections, keeping the heart, refusing society that neither fears nor loves God except to win them, repressing and never sanctioning sin by deed, word, silence or presence, learning at the Master's feet, refusing a low cheap standard, determining to do right, and conquering self through Christ to be free and happy.Lt 51, 1894, par. 5–9 Heart-consecration by unreserved surrender of all must precede a wife's greatest blessing to husband and associates, kept without cheapness of word or action.Lt 15, 1902, par. 2

True sanctification in individual experience lays ways and will on the altar to be purified, refined and ennobled as pure religion, seeking the Lord in faith and humility for favor, gaining deeper experience through humble confession, rising to reflect light in words and works where selfishness is extinguished and nobility shines in righteousness reflecting divine attributes from the gospel mirror.Lt 142, 1909, par. 6 Self must die and the life now lived be wholly consecrated in response to Christ's gift, expressed in walking humbly with God and perfecting character.Lt 81, 1899, par. 8 Laying self on the altar in faith as workers to receive the Spirit brings Christ's abiding light by the Spirit and rejoicing in the living risen Saviour.Lt 104, 1898, par. 16

Giving self as a free-will offering without reserve includes possessions and entrusted means dispensed as the Lord's goods bearing fruit in good works.Ms 52, 1896, par. 31 Laying self and what is dear on the altar means trusting God rather than believing all depends on own efforts, bringing freedom from worldly discouragement.Lt 20, 1886, par. 9–11

Every soul faculty and bodily member with all time and strength belongs to the Maker on the altar as a consecrated gift to be employed in His service, honoring His authority in a despising world, holding His command supreme above all without prevarication for selfish reasons.Lt 14, 1888, par. 14–15 This requires entire mind renovation with Christ's meek Spirit overcoming love of supremacy and bringing the Redeemer into thoughts and affections.Lt 14, 1888, par. 14–15 When through lack of watchfulness one falls, there is remorse, shame and true sorrow for offending God, greater humility and vigilance against Satan, and constant earnest desire to imitate Jesus in every phase of life.Lt 14, 1888, par. 14–15

Dedication is reasonable and urgent as desire for more of God, for He wants all there is consecrated to His service.4MR 331.1 Entering service faithfully presents the body as a living sacrifice, for every mental, soul and strength capability belongs to God and is given at conversion, with even thoughts brought into obedience, mental and physical powers laid on the altar, and time owned by the Lord not idled.Ms 31, 1899, par. 1 Having God's love in the heart with entire consecration to do His will gives the greatly needed Christian union.Ms 56, 1902, par. 54

Surrender devotes all powers sanctified to His use to fulfill creation's purpose rather than to win approval.HL 42.2+1 Giving mind and affections and laying self on the altar in teachable yielding keeps one fit for work.Lt 25, 1885, par. 4 Devoting the whole self is obligation because Christ purchased all abilities, and taking His yoke and living under God-given principles breaks slavery to sin and unsanctified will according to His Word.Lt 180, 1903, par. 32–35

The verse means giving self, soul, body and spirit without reserve in willing obedience to all requirements, consecrating all one is with all talents and capabilities.COL 116.2 Christ with all heaven's treasures gives Himself only to those thus wholly given, in which exchange they obtain the pearl of great price.COL 116.2

The call applies with greater force as light and privileges increase, requiring meeting demands fully according to grace and truth given in a new complete consecration of the whole person as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice.Ms 12, 1868, par. 4–6+1 God requires mind, soul, body and strength with all one has and is to answer creation's purpose, including heeding Word light about eating and drinking and acting intelligently, since neglect brings feebleness hindering full surrender.Ms 86, 1897, par. 14–17+1 Practical instruction must enter daily life and character to make true believers, moral renovation must take place in every heart or souls perish, daily character exposes spurious faith and proves true Christianity, and those putting on Christ are transformed by mind renewal proving by experience God's good, acceptable and perfect will.Ms 80, 1899, par. 12–13

Consecration of all held in trust gives not only gifts and offerings but self to advance the kingdom at every step without going back, prepared by humiliation and the Lord's molding as vessels unto honor with refreshing filling them with the Spirit to impart themselves to His work.Lt 183, 1901, par. 13–14 Fellow workers lay mental powers and affections on the altar to do His will, bringing conversion in principle, and by appropriating abundant grace reflect His light working out His character.Lt 330, 1907, par. 12

Serving God requires full willing consecration with effort and prayer rather than a low-cost offering, giving self without reserve.GW 114.3 It requires real sacrifice of self and effort, for labor chiefly for personal advantage is a lame unacceptable sacrifice.Lt 2, 1859, par. 2–3 In seeking to understand and do His will believers must continue until fully surrendered in soul, body and spirit, then God stamps His image upon them.JIOKP 9.3

Giving self wholly to Christ and seeking divine power is necessary, keeping no cherished sin and committing fully to God as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice.ST Mar 9, 1888 Acknowledging imperfection or trying to reform is insufficient without surrendered self, forsaken particular sins and life harmonized with His will.COL 48.1–2 Genuine repentance brings every bodily and soul capacity into His service with inward mind and spirit change shown in outward conduct matching profession, not mere outward improvement while cherishing sin.Ms 15, 1884, par. 15–16

Giving self unreservedly as a living sacrifice roots out foundational errors, becomes a learner in Christ's school, discerns difficulty, repents in haste and begins from a correct standpoint.4T 382.1 It means laboring not in self but in God, putting away pride, self-exaltation and vanity, and learning the sweet lessons of the cross.4T 382.1

Jesus is the channel through whom the offering of the body as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice is made to God, which is reasonable service in view of divine mercy.Ms 198, 1899, par. 21–22 Because God and Christ have done everything on their part, withholding not Christ's precious life so that salvation could be brought within reach, and because His blood cleanses from spot and stain of sin, believers should be more than willing to do all possible on their part and not consult feelings or put ease and convenience first.Ms 31, 1887, par. 11–12 That reasonable service is to arm themselves with Christ's same mind, manifest the same spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice, show the same interest and disinterested love for souls for whom Christ died, follow the pattern He gave by leaving heaven to live a human life as the example of the path to heaven, and labor together with God to bring many sons and daughters to glory.Ms 31, 1887, par. 11–12

The high standard of giving self wholly to God is possible to attain, and the power lies not in human beings themselves but in Christ.Ms 180, 1901, par. 1–4 He made it possible by laying aside royal robes, crown, throne and glory, clothing divinity with humanity, taking the rude garments of humanity, and being afflicted with all human afflictions to understand human temptation and to become a faithful judge of how much must be contended with from satanic agencies.Ms 180, 1901, par. 1–4 As many as receive Him receive power to become sons of God to do this.Ms 180, 1901, par. 1–4

Presenting the body means putting away selfishness and following Christ, who laid aside His riches in the heavenly courts to restore humanity from sin to righteousness and pleased not Himself, leaving an example of humility showing that a holy and unselfish life is possible in this world.Lt 283, 1905, par. 7–8 As a living sacrifice He laid aside heavenly position and glory, became poor, took human nature and shared humanity's hardships to redeem the world.ST Apr 22, 1897 Serving God is reasonable response to the mercies shown in Christ's suffering and sacrifice, for because He patiently accepted scorn, insult and servanthood for humanity, no sacrifice or self-denial required in God's service is too great.ST Nov 28, 1911

The living sacrifice is made from deep appreciation of the sacrifice on Calvary, consecrating all that one has and is to the Master's service with no desire to live for self, willingly making every other interest subordinate to saving souls.7T 10.1 The same intensity of desire to save sinners that marked the Saviour's life marks His true follower, who delights to give self and is moved by inexpressible desire to win souls to Christ, while those who have nothing of this desire should be concerned for their own salvation and pray for the spirit of service.7T 10.1 Full self-giving is exemplified by Christ placing Himself on the altar of service and making His own wishes subordinate to His mission for fallen humanity, and His followers are called to the same self-giving devotion in service to others.RH Dec 30, 1902 He illustrated this living sacrifice through untiring work to save the lost, help those in need, and prepare His disciples to carry the gospel to the world.Ms 127, 1903, par. 1

No service is acceptable except through Christ's righteousness, just as every sacrifice in the ritual service was salted with salt.DA 439.2 The saving salt that must be received is the Saviour's righteousness, His Spirit and His grace, and those who receive it become the salt of the earth, preserving from corruption and restraining evil among people, with energy and efficiency for building up God's kingdom and a saving influence that is a savor of life unto life.DA 439.2 Mere profession of godliness without the love of Christ is salt that has lost its savor and has no power for good, while those who are truly living sacrifices have no rivalry, no self-seeking and no desire for the highest place, but have the love that seeks not its own but another's good, and have peace one with another.DA 439.2

God accepts a consecration whose character the Holy Spirit reveals, for the Spirit enlightens the mind and renews, sanctifies and uplifts the person.HSP 2.10 Believers are to offer themselves wholly to God in service as a living sacrifice in unreserved consecration of all they have and are, in a life continually aligned with God.Ms 61, 1903, par. 8 This consecrated life is made possible because Christ died to defeat Satan and take away the sin of every believing soul.Ms 61, 1903, par. 8

The living sacrifice must be without defect and offered in the best possible condition, just as every sacrifice in the ancient Jewish service and every offering of Israel had to be examined and found without blemish, defect, disease or stain.Ms 26, 1887, par. 1–3+4 Spotless offerings represented Christ, so Christians dedicate the whole person to God and preserve every power in the best possible condition for His service.GC88 473.2+2 Human beings are God's workmanship, fearfully and wonderfully made, and as His sons and daughters they have the duty to make the best use of the faculties and talents He has given them.Ms 26, 1887, par. 1–3+2 Wrong habits and perverted appetites that weaken mental and physical powers make it impossible to honor God as they should, so love for God leads believers to give their best service, to bring every ability into harmony with what enables them to do His will, and not to weaken or defile their offering through indulgence of appetite or passion.Ms 26, 1887, par. 1–3+4

Sanctification embraces the entire being of spirit, soul and body, requiring the living offering to be set apart and pleasing to God.19MR 214.1+1 As in ancient Israel every animal brought for sacrifice was carefully examined and refused if any defect was found because God commanded it to be without defect, so Christians must preserve all their powers in the best possible condition, for every practice that weakens physical or mental strength makes a person unfit for the service of the Creator and God will not be pleased with anything less than the best that can be offered.ST Apr 19, 1910 Those redeemed by God consecrate themselves wholly to Him, for hearts, consciences, affections and bodies belong to Him, and the body purchased by God is to be kept in sanctification and holiness and offered in His service.19MR 214.1 Offering the body to God as a holy, acceptable, living sacrifice is reasonable service like the ancient service without blemish, in which people as God's workmanship use their God-given faculties and talents well rather than weakening mind and body by wrong habits and indulgence of perverted appetite.CTBH 15.2

The body is to be offered living and not dead or dying, without blemish like the Hebrew offerings, and caring for the body and preserving its health make it a fit dwelling for the Holy Spirit and enable faithful service to God and duty in family and society.CH 121.2 Christians dedicate their bodies as living sacrifices sound and without the taint of sin, like an acceptable sacrifice, and they cannot honor God in their bodies while breaking His law.RH Mar 8, 1870 Purity of mind and body belong together, for keeping the body from impure acts preserves a sanctified mind that willingly obeys God, while a sin-stained, polluted life must not be presented to the Lord.RH Mar 8, 1870+2 The call is for a life wholly devoted to God in holiness and acceptable service with pure character.ST2 14.2+1

Acceptable service requires unselfish devotion with self laid on the altar as a living, consuming sacrifice.PK 65.1+1 Talents, skill, wisdom and even splendid service are acceptable only when free of selfishness, for acceptable fruit depends on a holy root.PK 65.1+1 The person must be converted and wholly consecrated with right motives and a holy inner life in order for work to bear sound, acceptable fruit.Ms 33, 1896, par. 8

Human beings are God's workmanship, fearfully and wonderfully made, under duty to make the best use of faculties and talents and to preserve physical, mental and moral powers in harmony with the laws that enable doing His will, because bodily condition greatly affects mental and moral powers.Ms 26, 1887, par. 1–3+4 Like every sacrifice in the ancient Jewish service that had to be examined and be without blemish, defect, disease or stain, the living sacrifice must be offered in best possible condition without defect, since spotless offerings represented Christ.Ms 26, 1887, par. 1–3+4 Love for God leads to giving best service and not weakening or defiling the offering through indulgence of appetite or passion, but bringing every ability into harmony with what enables His will.GC 473.2–474.1+2

Presenting the body holy and acceptable means keeping it in best health to meet requirements, preserving purity, keeping the mind on God's work, and not weakening, defiling, crippling or abusing entrusted gifts through appetite or passion.CH 88.1+4 Those redeemed are not excused from faithful work, and temperance in all things with habits shaped by the laws of life and health preserves physical fitness and mental clarity for discerning good from evil and serving God.CH 88.1+2 Christians are under sacred obligation to govern bodies, appetites and passions with God's glory in view.CH 42.1

True sanctification is a practical living principle in everyday life, not merely theory, emotion, form of words, or words alone, requiring habits of eating, drinking and dressing that preserve physical, mental and moral health rather than corrupt the body.ST Oct 5, 1882+3 Health serves holiness and perfection, which cannot be attained with diseased bodies and minds, and only what is perfect as the ancient animal offerings were was acceptable.BS 24.1+1

Reasonable service requires temperance in all things, self-control over appetite and habits in conformity to Christ's will, self-denial and crossbearing rather than conforming to selfish desires or indulging every whim, learning how to treat the body and becoming intelligent on health.CH 88.1+4 The offering includes bringing appetite, habits and all practice into obedience to wise arrangements so body, soul and spirit may be renewed and the moral image restored, with meat-eating encouraging animalism as indulged and sensual passions restrained so Christ may occupy the temple.Lt 3, 1884, par. 21–24 For young people this means using abilities and resources for God's glory and becoming fit for service including enduring hardship as soldiers, and health institutions carry forward the work by being built up with qualified instructing workers.Lt 47, 1893, par. 16–19+1

Presenting the body means practicing temperance, self-denial and self-control in eating and drinking, bringing appetite and passions under control, honoring God, caring for health and obeying health laws as faithful service.Lt 90, 1898, par. 4+4 In response to mercy this means teaching self-denial and self-control rather than perverted appetite, and practicing a clean, pure, healthful diet.Ms 1, 1888, par. 14–16 Dietary habits that damage the body can foster depraved appetite, pervert character and harm religious experience, so churches, families and ministers are urged to honor God with bodies and practice received light.18MR 352.2–3+1

The body belongs to God as His temple by creation and redemption, so presenting it includes refusing defilement through harmful appetites and habits, honoring Him in body and spirit, keeping it sound to preserve faculties, with obedience to health laws as part of obedience to His law.Ms 153, 1899, par. 16–20+2 Sinful indulgence in food and drink fills the body with corruption and disease and makes offering it as a living sacrifice impossible, violating duty to God, self and others.CH 24.2 The God-created body is to be preserved and presented fit for service, with bodily desires controlled rather than ruling, keeping the body healthy and spirit pure so as to serve fully and benefit humanity.CH 76.1–2+4 It must be cared for as His habitation through informed care and obedience to natural law rather than weakened by self-indulgence, appetite or health-destroying dress.TCBMP 84.3–86.1

Presenting the body means preserving organs in beautiful arrangement to do service and glorify the Giver, cultivating every organ in order so the whole being is proportionately worked and every part of the wonderful machinery acts in harmony, rather than misusing nature's laws by keeping some parts in action while others weaken through disuse.7MR 373.3–375.2 It means maintaining simplicity and natural form and motions in given intelligence, and refusing to educate mind and body to perverted ideas and customs and fashions of this degenerate age, because this world is an educating school where believers are not conformed to the world.7MR 373.3–375.2

Believers are to sanctify body, soul and spirit for their own good, their children's good and their work's good, coming into right relation to God with thorough grace cleansing everything defiling from heart and soul.Lt 214, 1904, par. 10 Offering the body means bringing health reform into daily practice, which requires severe battles against inclination and old habits.Lt 214, 1904, par. 10 This conversion, cleansing and refining of mind and soul must precede fitness for the Spirit's full indwelling, hope of perfecting character, fitness of parents to help children become what God desires, and true revelation of health reform's value.Lt 214, 1904, par. 10

Presenting the body means consecrating it through self-control, overcoming impulsiveness, fretfulness, passion, self-centered thought and wrong habits in eating, drinking and daily life that bring disease and lessen vigor.Lt 27, 1872, par. 4–7 Pursuing any course weakening vitality and mental vigor dishonors God and robs claimed service, while perverted appetite at health's expense enfeebles constitution, morals and mental faculties, unbalances circulation, causes nervous debility, destroys patience and elevated affection, beclouds the mind so temptation easily overcomes, and prevents high appreciation of the atonement and right estimate of eternal things.Lt 27, 1872, par. 4–7 God will not work a miracle to preserve health daily injured by pet habits and indulgences.Lt 27, 1872, par. 4–7

Christians are to bring habits including eating and drinking into line with requirements; because they belong to God their bodies and lives are guarded and controlled, and obeying precepts leads to physical and spiritual conformity to His image.14MR 300.1–2 Keeping organs pure and healthy with temperance and exercise of physical and mental powers according to enlightened conscience is reasonable service making the body full of light.14MR 62.3–4+1 It requires humbling the heart, denying self daily and taking up the cross to follow Christ, struggling against sin at every step rather than against natural claims, accepting His easy yoke instead of manufacturing grievous human yokes, and it does not mean trying to change natural features such as gray hair, which misdirects toward fanaticism.14MR 62.3–4+1

God requires the body as a living, not dead or dying, sacrifice kept holy as true worship in best health as the Spirit's temple enabling perfect service and faithful duty in family and society, with the human offering not filled with disease and corruption just as Hebrew offerings were to be without blemish to please Him.2T 70.1+1 Violating physical law is as truly sin as breaking the ten commandments and inclines to violate Sinai, while indulging appetite above love for God diminishes strength to glorify Him and is inconsistent with preparing for immortality.2T 70.1+1 Offering self means devoting whole body, mind, strength and soul, where a life exhausting powers for personal business with none left for God is a lame sacrifice, and service includes using work and time such as teaching children for God.RH Mar 29, 1870

Presenting the body includes avoiding habits that weaken or harm it, since harmful habits leave people less able to serve acceptably while healthful choices fit them.ST Feb 17, 1888 Sinful indulgence in food and dress can bring corruption, disease, suffering and loss of vitality making the body unfit, and excessive eating, drinking and dressing waste entrusted time, money and strength and bring suffering and decay so a harmed body cannot be offered living.HRP 6.2+1 The body belongs to God and is presented holy by caring for His gift, learning preservation, refusing self-gratification and health-destroying fashions, kept in best condition to render service.STA 127.2+2 Knowledge of health laws brings duty to preserve powers for fullest development of mind, soul and body, happiness now and preparation for life to come, and refusing available light rejects God's means for physical and spiritual life.STA 127.2+3

Christians must keep the body in strongest, healthiest working condition as solemn duty no less than keeping spirit pure, because devotion of heart, soul and mind to God and fellows can only be carried out through the body.HTL6 36.1–37.1 Weak, sickly bodies enfeeble virtuous effort, turn benevolence and piety into mere reverie, and let enterprises perish for lack of vigor to embody them in deeds, while a vigorous body gives power to battle evil, resist passion and achieve practical heroism.HTL6 36.1–37.1 Bodies are not one's own but God's habitation to be cared for, and presenting the body means practicing the self-denial, humility and temperance required of the righteous in contrast to extravagant habits, becoming intelligent about preservation, and keeping moral obligation in eating and dressing.3T 62.2 Violating obligation there prepares violation of eternal claims, enfeebling the body by gratification, appetite, passion and fashion to be in harmony with the world makes one God's enemy, and this health reform is as connected with the third angel's message as hand with body.3T 62.2

God calls His people to be laborers together with Him by abstaining from fleshly lusts, presenting bodies holy in temperance in labor, eating and drinking, preserving His temple as healthy as possible through earnest self-denial to preserve mind, elevate self and imitate sinless Christ in whom was no guile, and this is the only service He accepts from mortals.RH Apr 2, 1914 Giving the body in healthy holy condition requires control of appetite and dress, where excess wastes the Lord's time, money and strength, lessens vitality and fills the body with corruption making obedience impossible.3T 164.2 Such excess becomes crime and a marked last-day sin showing Christ is soon coming, while Christ calls to work for higher than food, drink and clothing.3T 164.2

Presenting the body holy is lived through Christ's renewing power by renouncing evil practices and associations, practicing temperance, diligently obeying God, seeking repentance and forgiveness through His atonement, remaining watchful and prayerful, with thoughts brought under His control.CH 536.2–537.1+3 As accountable beings men must cease abusing and degrading given powers through education until understanding is convinced of sinfulness of disease-bringing habits, with intelligent mind and will on the Lord's side.STMMW 11.1 It requires strenuous grace-aided effort never mere human strength, daily repentance, strict watchfulness and unwearied prayer for renovating power, bringing wonderful improvement in physical health.STMMW 11.1

Offering the body includes preserving health through habits conforming to natural law, since indulgence weakens body and mind, impairs service and undermines consecration.ST Oct 5, 1882+2 As Israel's sacrifices had to be without blemish, appetites and habits must be controlled and full faculties offered, bringing the body into conformity with natural law, for impaired powers are like blemished victims God would not accept.ST Oct 5, 1882+2 The body and strength consecrated to service must not be misused by harmful habits, lack of exercise or overwork that weaken health and shorten service; caring for the body is devoted service.CH 41.2 Acceptable service avoids excessive labor that leaves young and old unable to give due time, while proper work benefits.Ms 17, 1863, par. 3–4

The God-created body is presented fitted for service through healthful nutrition and avoiding artificial excitement from stimulants and narcotics, with organs designed for active use so useful labor and exercise preserve for service and deliberately impairing powers is sinful.ST Apr 29, 1875+2 Dishonoring the body through sinful practices violates health laws and animal passions, dishonoring it before its Creator as sin against holy God Himself, seen by the Searcher of hearts from whom nothing is hid.SA 23.1–2+1 Children should be made to feel this in aggravated character as displeasing God, with godly sorrow, confession without reserve and thorough reform in forsaking the wrong course.SA 23.1–2

Presenting the body holy is incompatible with weakening habits and worldly conformity, requiring transformation by mind renewal to prove God's will.19MR 314.1–3 The body must be kept clean, pure and healthy as God's work in His image entrusted to care in harmony with higher mental powers, cared for in best condition, with abuse or weakening of strength through harmful habits including fashion conflicting with duty, and obedience requiring living in harmony with life's laws.HL 11.1–2+1 Spiritual service means presenting the body fit as the Spirit's temple under control, with temperance in eating and habits, moderate exercise and overcoming indulgence.Lt 27, 1872, par. 13–16 The whole person with every faculty is consecrated, cared for intelligently and kept in best condition through careful temperate habits.6T 375.1

Presenting the body as a living sacrifice means overcoming every harmful practice into harmony with requirements, because the whole person belongs to God, with grace enabling mind, will and tastes to submit.Lt 69, 1896, par. 10–13 The body is offered by caring for physical and mental health in eating, drinking, dressing, working and studying so it is not weakened or diseased and the offering is not failing.Lt 69, 1896, par. 10–13+1 It is given fit through healthful living, obedience to bodily laws and regulation of appetite and passions, since transgressing health laws transgresses God's law.6T 224.3–225.1 Preserving health is duty using provided knowledge, since refusing light rejects God's means for physical and spiritual life.5T 193.4

God-created bodies are presented fitted through instruction in physical needs and Scriptural healthful living, belonging to preparation for the second coming by promulgating principles, relieving suffering by natural agencies, teaching prevention by regulating appetites because nature's laws are God's laws, with sanitariums as healing, restoring and educating centers teaching the evil of disregarding life and health laws and how to preserve the body so those taught impart principles to others.Lt 218, 1908, par. 19–21 The verse teaches clean, pure, healthful bodies owed in service, requiring self-knowledge, acquaintance with structure and natural law, and practice of physiology and hygiene, since the body is the redeemed house and living machinery to honor Him so soul, body and spirit may be consecrated.Ms 49, 1897, par. 5–6 Purity of habits preserves cleanness and purity of thought, while disobedience and neglect bring sickness, disease and decay, and knowledge alone is insufficient but must be practiced, with special duty on students and schools with decided energy.Ms 49, 1897, par. 5–6

God as author of being must be recognized and life not trifled with, so presenting the body requires careful habits especially in eating and stomach care, since recklessness there reveals moral recklessness.5MR 360.3–4+1 Health is essential for grace, growth and even temper, the stomach controls the whole being, overtaxing and taxing food perverts feelings and finer heart feelings, hinders character formation, and through brain-stomach and brain-nerve sympathy produces wrong thinking and acting.5MR 360.3–4+1 Giving the body requires cooperating with God in caring for the mechanism He authors and sustains in every vital movement, letting Him work without interference.7MR 133.1–2 To claim presumptuously that because healing came diet need not be restricted leads ere long to needing restoring power in body and soul.5MR 360.3–4

The most acceptable worship asked is practicing health reform, being careful what enters the stomach and eating only wholesome nutritious food keeping blood pure and body in good working order, refusing to eat as one pleases and create stomach disorder hindering machinery.Lt 38, 1902, par. 16 Wrong eating counterworks God and shuts away His Spirit while right eating opens the way for much of His Spirit with decided benefit.Lt 38, 1902, par. 16 The acceptable service required is preserving health, while tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks and tobacco withhold it and dishonor God by falsely stimulating then depressing nature, weakening nerves and muscles, deranging machinery and destroying His temple.Lt 17, 1895, par. 25–26 Self-indulgence and intemperance work counter to God and lose life through ignorance like worthless material burned, while self-denial cooperation lets Christ restore His moral image.Lt 17, 1895, par. 25–26

Because mercies call for a living, holy, pleasing offering, believers care for health, discard tea, coffee and flesh meat, learn and teach wholesome appetizing food preparation, and multiply true health-reform workers, joined to nonconformity and mind renewal to prove God's will, with educators standing true to press back moral woe.3MR 423.1–3 Presenting the living tabernacle means consecrating every part with correct eating and drinking because they shape character, learning forbidden foods from the Word, bringing every physical, mental and moral power into willing obedience and giving the whole person with spirit controlled.Lt 17, 1895, par. 30 Wholesome food and temperance support holy function while tobacco, alcohol and injurious foods impair reason or foster unholy feelings, and such care cooperates with Christ's restoration of the moral image.Lt 17, 1895, par. 30+1

The body with all strength is surrendered and used in service, since He redeemed body as well as soul so withholding is robbery.RH Apr 9, 1901 This includes healthy eating to keep blood and brain healthy with love, faith, hope and joy essential to health, devoting every energy with full use of body and soul.RH Apr 9, 1901 God claims unreserved consecration with every power recognized as entrusted gift under divine control, strengthened in probation and kept healthy by strictly temperate habits and intelligent care as religious duty.Ms 3, 1897, par. 6+1 As proprietor He owns all time and talents to be used for glory without consulting pleasure, with ability used for Him increasing ability, wisdom and understanding.Lt 50, 1895, par. 17+2

The verse requires keeping the body in best condition so all powers glorify Him, since diseased habits make service impossible, making obedience to life laws part of serving God.RH Oct 17, 1871 It requires caring according to health laws rather than neglecting reason, since failure presents a crippled offering.ST Sep 30, 1897 Caring for the body is owed service, since neglect and abuse make it unfit; providing enjoyable strengthening food is a householder's first duty above less necessary clothing or furniture, and scrimping needed food is wrong.CH 155.3+1 Neglect has caused death of useful workers, and ignorantly militating against health reform bears false witness against it.CTBH 58.1

Those bought by Christ's blood should dedicate powers, avoiding selfish appetite and passion that weaken mind and judgment, living in harmony with their being to give best service, with every power of body and mind consecrated to glorify Him as daily duty and privilege.ST Jul 29, 1889 True service requires presenting the body through temperance and not violating its machinery, with parents accountable because injury transmits to children affecting morals.CTBH 18.1+1 Keeping the body unharmed lays responsibility not to mar the intricate organism, for damage brings suffering and transmits evil destroying fear of God, seen when fathers, ministers and superintendents indulging tobacco are copied by boys as young as eight acting on inherited tendencies.CTBH 18.1+1

The body offered must be kept fit, and overdevotion to study that ruins physical, mental and moral powers by intemperate habits defrauds self for eternity; keeping it requires minds renewed after God's plan, doing the Word and knowing every moment has eternal results.Ms 10a, 1895, par. 57–58 No education should crowd out the Word as counselor or lose meekness in Christ's school, but take in light to impart in good works with integrity in righteousness.Ms 10a, 1895, par. 57–58 The body is preserved in sanctification and honor as the living house in which people dwell, and understanding its structure and life laws is necessary to honor the Redeemer, since neglecting requirements undermines service with soul, body and spirit consecrated.HL 13.5 Even recreation belongs to the offered powers and should glorify God by refreshing body and mind for faithful work and making influence beneficial.RH May 31, 1870

Sinful indulgence defiles the body and makes it unholy, unfit for spiritual worship and unworthy of heaven, while heeding the light given in mercy upon health reform and living in harmony with natural law sanctifies through the truth and fits for immortality.CTBH 10.1–2+4 Presenting the body as a holy, acceptable living sacrifice is reasonable service, and a person cannot make that offering while continuing habits that drain physical, mental and moral strength.CTBH 10.1–2+2 Disregarding that light and violating natural law brings its penalty, benumbing spiritual powers, weakening morals and hindering holiness.CTBH 10.1–2+4

Intemperate appetite brings debility and disease that cloud brain and nerves, weaken moral powers, and unfit the mind to appreciate sacred truth and the value of the atonement essential to salvation.1T 693.2+1 Giving the whole self unreservedly is required because all belongs to God who will not accept half a sacrifice but requires perfect service, and presenting the body as a living not dying sacrifice means practicing health reform, controlling intemperate appetite and separating affections from love of the world.1T 693.2+1 When debility clouds brain and nerves a person cannot render perfect service or glorify God on earth.1T 693.2+1

The surrender of the whole body as genuine godliness requires cutting away unholy appetites and passions.19MR 157.1–3+2 This means refusing inordinate desire for unhealthful things and perverted taste that grows by indulgence until it becomes second nature, refusing selfish indulgence that makes appetite a god, and refusing life-destroying practices copied from extremists in pleasure and selfish gratification who love pleasure more than God.19MR 157.1–3+2 Even after healing, none may assume liberty to eat and drink as pleased, but must practice self-restraint and obey God.Ms 140, 1897, par. 1–3+1 Life comes from God and human beings are not their own but His property, so health, truth, righteousness and eternal life must not be sacrificed for the world, and with the next verse this means not being conformed to the world but transformed by mind renewal to prove God's good, acceptable and perfect will, even when serving God collides with common opinions and modes of thinking and practice.Ms 175, 1899, par. 1–3+1

God in mercy requires bodies devoted to Him in purity as reasonable duty, which forbids tobacco as a defiling indulgence that weakens physical powers, confuses the brain, surrenders the will to narcotic poison, fills heaven-given air with poisonous smoke and damages His image in man.CTBH 17.4+1 It likewise forbids alcohol and self-defilement with drink, which poison the body and ruin His image in humanity.CTBH 17.4+1 Saying the habit cannot be broken is no excuse against this requirement.CTBH 17.4+1 Purity, self-denial and temperance are demanded instead, following Christ's long fast in the wilderness to break the power of appetite, so the body is kept fit to glorify God.CTBH 17.4+1

Bodily self-control as part of giving self to God requires cutting away every perverted appetite, including dependence on tea, tobacco, wine or liquor that harms brain and digestive organs, stupefies and dulls perception, enslaves the will and works against the soul.21MR 39.1–3+2 Tea and coffee are harmful stimulants that undermine the duty to keep the body in best health to meet God's requirements and glorify Him, requiring temperance in all things and rejecting appetite when it harms physical or moral powers.21MR 39.1–3+2 God's saving work involves receiving the light of truth, seeing it and bending the will to its claims, shown in the call to be transformed by a renewed mind.21MR 39.1–3+1

Presenting the body as a living sacrifice means keeping it healthy to do God's will and keeping the intellect clear and active to judge candidly and govern the powers, which applies to rejecting alcohol and other stimulating drinks entirely when they have become a destructive appetite.Lt 73, 1896, par. 11–13+1 Overcoming requires full cooperation, awakened moral powers and trust in Christ's grace.Lt 73, 1896, par. 11–13+1 Wine and beer blunt moral perception, strengthen passions and make people lose distinction between right and wrong and between sacred and common, unfitting for sacred duties.Lt 73, 1896, par. 11–13+1 The misuse of fire by Nadab and Abihu while under strong drink shows impairment does not excuse disobedience.Lt 73, 1896, par. 11–13+1

Honoring God requires giving Him the whole self as a living, holy and blameless offering, preserving mind and body faculties in best condition, since weakening them by indulgence decreases power for influence and makes the person imperfect for service.Lt 90, 1898, par. 21–23+1 No one can honor Him while following any course that blemishes body or soul.Lt 90, 1898, par. 21–23+1 The worth of that self-offering is measured by the expensive offering on Calvary revealing the value of the soul, claimed by right of creation and redemption, with Christ beginning redemption on appetite where ruin began.Lt 90, 1898, par. 21–23+1 Bringing appetite, habits and all practice into conformity to Christ's will renews body, soul and spirit and restores God's moral image, while meat-eating to the degree indulged encourages animalism and sensual passions must be restrained so Christ may occupy the soul's temple.Lt 90, 1898, par. 21–23+1

The whole person is to be devoted as a holy, acceptable living sacrifice, answered by God's grace through purity in tastes, appetite and habits following Daniel's example, with firm principle bringing health of body, mind and soul.MYP 243.3–4+1 This means keeping strict watch over appetite and passions as Daniel did.MYP 243.3–4+1

Presenting the body holy and acceptable means treating the body as God's property, bringing it into subjection to His Spirit and living in oneness with Christ as a doer of the Word in private life through sanctification of body, soul and spirit.Lt 139, 1898, par. 34–42+1 It requires self-control and moral purity over lustful practices, baser passion and perverted appetite that debase the mind, weaken brain and vital forces and leave body, soul and spirit diseased and unable to offer an acceptable sacrifice.Lt 139, 1898, par. 34–42+1 Those abiding in Christ do not fulfill lusts of the flesh, and offerings made while spending probation in fleshly lusts are polluted and unacceptable.Lt 139, 1898, par. 34–42+1 When believers keep themselves pure, elevated, refined and sanctified with guiltless conscience and soul without corruption, they become fit temples for the Holy Spirit's indwelling, their will becomes God's will, soul and body harmonize with God, the Spirit's manifestation is seen in the church, and they prove the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.Lt 139, 1898, par. 34–42+1

Reasonable service is obedience to God's plain commands in His Word, requiring reform of life and appetite and turning from liquor and mingled poisonous drugs and the powerful appetite for them.Ms 61a, 1906, par. 10+1 It binds those placed in responsibility as guardians of the people's welfare to realize their responsibility and govern according to His orders.Ms 61a, 1906, par. 10+1 It requires cleansing from all filthiness of flesh and spirit by giving up vitality-destroying habits, by eating, drinking and dressing to glorify God, by coming into order and keeping right rules, and by separating those insisting on indulgence rather than letting wrong go unrebuked.Ms 61a, 1906, par. 10+1

Presenting the body holy as reasonable service requires refusing tobacco and reckoning every penny spent on it, because it constantly weakens physical, mental and moral powers, carries self-destructive poison through vein and nerve, defiles the user, clouds spiritual discernment between truth and error and light and darkness, and dishonors worship.Lt 354, 1905, par. 3+2 Self-denial and temperance instead purify soul, body, spirit and words from defilement.Lt 354, 1905, par. 3+1 Control of appetite and passions with refusal of tobacco and liquor is required, for a body saturated with liquor and defiled by tobacco is not holy and acceptable.2RED 60.2–61.1+4 Indulgence of fleshly lusts wars against the soul, deadens brain and nerves, and leaves men unable to realize the binding claims and holiness of God's law, to value the atonement or to appreciate immortal life.2RED 60.2–61.1+3 Satan works in the last days with greater power through appetite to bring bondage to this propensity and thus ruin, knowing a defiled body cannot be an acceptable sacrifice.2RED 60.2–61.1+1

The bodily offering must be kept free from defilement by liquor and tobacco, since uncontrolled appetite enslaves and prevents valuing the atonement and eternal life.ST Aug 13, 1874+2 Tobacco use makes the offering unholy and unacceptable, attributed instead to Satan.ST Aug 13, 1874+2 Surrender to appetite makes the body unfit for God's service.ST Aug 13, 1874+2

Giving the body as a living, holy, acceptable offering requires refusing habits that weaken physical, mental and moral strength even when customary in the world.HRP 4.2–5.2+2 Indulging perverted appetite in eating and drinking to gluttony and drunkenness makes that offering impossible, because it inflames passion, benumbs moral sensibility and leads to corruption and violence like that bringing judgment in Noah's days and in Sodom and marking the time of the Son of man's coming.HRP 4.2–5.2+1 Following worldly customary practices conflicts with offering the body to God, and such weakening habits pollute the soul-temple and prevent the offering.HRP 4.2–5.2+2

Serving God reasonably requires self-denial and temperance in eating and drinking, since indulgence in meat and other harmful foods injures body and soul and weakens higher qualities needed for sacred service.Lt 59, 1898, par. 3+2 Those teaching or serving God must live this by precept and example with pure holy thoughts and freedom from appetites blunting spiritual discernment, because a contrary course causes confusion.Lt 59, 1898, par. 3+1 The call to all churches and families means refusing the variety and mixture of meat, vegetables, fruit, wines, tea, coffee, sweet cakes, rich pies, desserts and sweet dishes that ruin the stomach, make invalids, sour disposition, pervert character, establish depraved appetite and produce diseased religious experience.Lt 59, 1898, par. 3+1 Excessive eating and luxuries for appetite damage health and vitality bringing suffering and decay, and a body continually filled with corruption and disease through such indulgence cannot be presented as a living sacrifice.Lt 59, 1898, par. 3+2

This bodily consecration is incompatible with using tobacco which corrupts blood and undermines the nervous system, so physicians using it cannot faithfully serve God and fellow beings or consistently profess truth.ST Sep 2, 1875+2 Habitual opium use intoxicates the nervous system, stupefies the mind and makes a person unfit for God's service, so knowing persistence in such body- and mind-destroying habit precludes acceptable service.5T 440.2+1 Breaking it requires fortitude and suffering, but God is displeased when followers become slaves to ruinous habits.5T 440.2+1

The sacrifice of serving God includes denying harmful appetites and giving up injurious indulgences as obedience dedicating powers to His glory, and such self-denial can free means for His work.CT 298.1+3 Useful use of time and money with refusal of harmful indulgences brings higher powers into healthful action and prepares to help others, with example as well as instruction leading others to self-denial.CH 130.3–131.2+1 Refusing foods injuring health and avoiding things encouraging desire for stimulants, and denying appetite for harmful foods and stimulants, are ways to offer the body as a sacrifice in service to God.CT 298.1+3

Presenting the body as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice means treating the body as God's property, bringing it into subjection to the Spirit, living in oneness with Christ as a doer of the Word in private life, and keeping pure, elevated, refined and sanctified with conscience without guilt and soul without corruption, and those who do so become fit temples for the Holy Spirit, have their will made God's will, bring soul and body into harmony with God, manifest the Spirit in the church, and prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Lt 139, 1898, par. 34–42 Entire surrender is shown by denying self in little as well as greater things, controlling and sanctifying the thoughts, warring against vain imagination and bringing every thought into captivity to Christ, because responsibility extends to indulged thoughts and actual sin grows from what the mind dwells on, and when thoughts become pure, chaste and elevated, actions become pure and sinless and the body is kept in sanctification and honor, which alone makes the offering acceptable as reasonable service.3T 82.2 Nonconformity means refusing inordinate appetite for unhealthful things and perverted taste grown second nature by indulgence, refusing life-destroying practices copied from pleasure extremists who love pleasure more than God, remembering life comes from God and human beings are not their own but God's property, and refusing to sacrifice health, truth, righteousness and eternal life for the world.Ms 140, 1897, par. 1–3 It forces a choice between striving to reach the high standard of complete holy self-offering pleasing to God as fitting response to His mercy and holding to friendship with the world, requiring sanctification by truth in the present preparation day by putting away every unholy ambition through conversion and a transformed life.Lt 208a, 1902, par. 45–47+1 Schools show the same nonconformity by refusing to lower moral and religious standards or copy worldly customs to gain popularity or numbers, and serving God must not be swayed by common opinions and modes of thinking and practice when they collide with right.Ms 140, 1897, par. 1–3+1

Nonconformity includes refusing the eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, amusement, display and violence that marked the 120 years of probation in Noah's days and that mark the world now before the coming of the Son of Man and the day of final reckoning, instead living sensibly with eternity in view with parents bringing up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and educating them for immortal life.Ms 100, 1901, par. 32–34 The renewed mind puts away inherited and learned sharp traits of character, thinks humbly and soberly with self measured by given faith, serves together according to different gifts as members of one body, and is molded after God's plan breathing heavenly atmosphere inspired by the Spirit in truthfulness, justice, integrity, equity and righteousness.Lt 19, 1901, par. 48–50+2 God's mercies include generous goodness to all as in sunlight to evil and good, and obeyed with a mind not conformed but transformed, every moment of study is conscious of God-given responsibility while refusing to injure the temple by sinful practice, too many studies, unsuitable hours, overtaxed mind, unemployed physical powers, making book-knowledge all-important, or overdevotion to study that ruins physically, mentally and morally and defrauds for time and eternity.Lt 56, 1893, par. 14–15+1 Thinking soberly also means wearing Christ's yoke, drawing under His leading, and taking a proper place in the spiritual body, for as perfection of the physical body depends on perfection of its organs, so perfection of the spiritual body depends on each member cooperating with brethren instead of standing apart as a distinct whole.21MR 277.4–5

United believers in church capacity strengthen each other in good and righteous endeavor, refuse contamination, stand firm as a rock to Thus saith the Lord, receive help from angels, are sanctified by Christ's precious blood, bring no human depravity into things small or great, do nothing to perpetuate division, and take up purification so the church on earth becomes a symbol of the church in heaven, of one mind and one faith, a bright light in a dark place despite tares among the wheat and evils seen among Sabbathkeepers, and the entire chapter is a lesson for all claiming membership in Christ's body to study.Lt 204, 1899, par. 10–13 The call is joined to putting on Christ and refusing to make provision for fleshly desires, refusing the world's pattern and allowing the mind to be renewed so as to discern God's good, pleasing, acceptable and perfect will.Lt 136, 1900, par. 17–19+2 Presenting the body means refusing to be satisfied with old customs, maxims, tradition and the shadow of the world, refusing labor for food that does not strengthen spirituality, and refusing conformity, and instead seeking wisdom, knowledge, higher education, spiritual vigor and moral strength from God alone by continually increasing in knowledge of the Word and spiritual truth, working in Christ's lines, eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, and feeding on the meat that endures to everlasting life and the bread of life, so every faculty is vitalized by the Spirit and the mind renewed and transformed.Ms 37, 1899, par. 13–14

A man must purify himself even as God is pure to present his body holy and acceptable, and he is not fit to stand as head of his wife as Christ heads the church unless he realizes this obligation, for he cannot present his body holy while weakening his system by base earthliness and corrupt practices, low sensual gratification of animal passion, and subjecting his wife to continual childbearing and the painful ordeal of maternity before her strength is recovered, but must study her spiritual and physical good, love her as his own body, and cherish and nourish her as Christ nourishes the church, refusing to imperil her life, cut off her missionary service, or destroy his own powers or hers.4MR 380.1–381.2 The God who created bodies requires them offered as a holy acceptable living offering as reasonable duty, and to weaken and defile the body by sinful practices, violating health laws and indulging animal passions, dishonors the body before its Creator and is sin against the pure holy God Himself and not only against self, seen with displeasure by the Searcher of hearts from whom nothing is hid, so children should be made to feel its aggravated character as displeasing God, exercise godly sorrow, confess to God without reserve, and forsake the wrong course in thorough reform.SA 23.1–2 Giving the body as a living holy acceptable offering is impossible while indulging, because the world does so, in habits lessening physical, mental and moral vigor, and fulfilling it requires refusing conformity and being transformed by mind renewal to prove God's will, especially by rejecting gluttony and drunkenness of appetite that corrupted Noah's generation and Sodom and will prevail before the Son of man.3T 163.1–3

Everyone with a true sense of being a Christian knows Christ's disciples are under obligation to bring all passions, physical powers and mental faculties into perfect subordination to His will, and secret vice breaks the sacrifice by destroying high resolve, earnest endeavor and strength of will to form good religious character, leaving children feeble in body and mind and almost dead to spiritual things with little desire for goodness, beauty of character and holy purposes, so those controlled by passions cannot be His followers but are devoted to the originator of every evil and will not leave corrupt habits to choose Christ's service.SA 12.2 Giving soul, body and spirit means living as a holy people distinct from the world in heart, dress and speech with distinction resting on holiness not clothing alone, and using every ability to prepare people to stand in God's day, while true followers make sacrifices and reject worldly gatherings and pleasures offering no fellowship with Jesus or help in heavenly-mindedness and growth in grace, separating because devotion to the cross is incompatible with seeking the world's attractions.RH Feb 18, 1862+1 The verse means refusing conformity to worldly ways and policy and cooperating with God working in the heart to will and do His pleasure, recognizing all gifts of speech, thought and action as from God, developing character after the divine likeness, cutting away stumbling causes as dear to carnal nature as right eye or right arm, standing in right relation to God, thinking soberly and reasonably without swinging between mountaintop and valley, recognizing many members with different offices as one body in Christ, and educating every power to highest perfection to present self, mind, soul and body as an offering for the Spirit to work through, whereupon Christ's righteousness shines into the soul and flows out in blessing.Ms 180, 1901, par. 5–7 This consecration of the whole person includes purifying thoughts through obedience to God's laws and turning from impure practices, since giving faculties to lustful habits damages physical and mental powers and presents an unworthy offering.STE 193.1 God's mercies call a person to take a stand for what is right under God's influence rather than let another's will or judgment control, without merging individuality with another's.18MR 263.1–2

Presenting the body as a living sacrifice means devoting time, strength, intellect, means, abilities, affections, talents and possessions to honor God in active service for others, because all belongs to Him by creation and redemption through Christ's precious blood and His blood cleanses from sin, calling for sensible reasoning that withholds nothing, consults not feeling or ease, but arms with Christ's mind of self-denial, disinterested love for souls, following His leaving heaven as example, and laboring together with God to bring many sons and daughters to glory.ST Jan 21, 1897+2
Such consecration works out in conduct toward one another as members of the heavenly family helping and strengthening each other, with heaven to win by overcoming as Christ overcame, proving by experience the good and acceptable and perfect will of God through transformation by renewing of the mind and nonconformity to the world.Ms 100, 1901, par. 2–5
Every church member has a different fitted work blending into a complete whole, and the chapter's cautions and exhortations are to be studied to understand the gifts that make the church the light of the world, a testimony especially to publishing, sanitarium and ministry workers who cherish wrong tendencies, seek to rule, and need repentance and daily conversion to yield wholly with converted intellects and Christ's indwelling instead of remaining His enemies.15MR 57.4–58.1+2
The verse earnestly urges fulfilling resting obligations, for all owe everything to God and receive His mercies including generous goodness as sunlight to evil and good, requiring self-denial and crossbearing rather than conformity to selfish desire, putting away inherited and learned sharp traits, thinking soberly and humbly by given faith, and for young people using abilities and resources for His glory, becoming fit and enduring hardship as Christ's soldiers.Ms 50, 1903, par. 2+2
In decisions about making a publishing office pay, service is to be shaped by wholehearted consecration to God rather than merely by financial gain.Lt 163, 1901, par. 13–14
God's children live in the world as their educating school with lives given to God rather than shaped by the world, refusing conformity and serving as missionaries ministering to needs, for mercy calls the redeemed to devote bodies as faithful workers not excused, preserving fitness by temperance in all things and habits according to laws of life and health, not crippling or abusing entrusted gifts, keeping physical fitness and mental clarity to discern good from evil.ST Sep 10, 1912+2
Giving the body means making best use of talents while probation lasts to gain heaven, gathering strength to teach by precept and example, scattering blessings, walking so others' destruction is not charged to account, breaking Satan's fetters and every yoke to show love to Christ the Captain while heaven watches, with eternal life rewarding faithfulness.Ms 26, 1887, par. 30–31
Presenting the body means the church in every place brings varied gifts into the building of the Lord's temple, each finding proper place and growing together into a holy temple, not shut within self but loving as brethren with kindness and courtesy.Lt 97, 1898, par. 13–16
Offering self devotes whole body, mind, strength and soul, where a life exhausting powers for personal business with none left for God is a lame sacrifice, and includes using work and time such as teaching children for God, with service intelligent through gifts cultivated with understanding to represent Bible religion and promote His glory.ST Dec 9, 1897+1
Believers give themselves wholly following Christ's tireless work for the lost and needy, not sparing self when great work remains, to prepare people for future life.RH Aug 12, 1909
Serving includes placing God-given influence on the side of right, each responsible whether it is pure and uplifting through Christ helping and blessing others or harmful leading astray, so guarding and directing influence toward the Lord is reasonable service, while those rejecting Christ cannot use it for good and risk eternal life.ST Nov 28, 1911+1
Devotion means offering self as a living sacrifice in renewed dedication, giving self to His work and seeking holy influence, giving heart, mind, soul and strength in unreserved undivided service from love that puts His honor before self in response to Christ's immeasurable sacrifice.RH Jan 10, 1856+1
God's people belong to Him and give themselves wholly in complete consecration as a life set apart through Christ's grace in light of His sacrifice, offering every faculty because ransomed by His blood to live for Him rather than self, using redeemed powers respecting laws of life and morality instead of following worldly customs or wasting them by disregard.GW 116.1+2
Presenting self means willingness to go wherever duty calls, deny self and sacrifice for the Redeemer's cause whether by labor or sacrifice, with gratitude for saving mercy giving self wholly in faithful work using abilities, accepting hardship and self-denial, ready either to labor or to sacrifice.MH 502.5+1
The verse means sacrificing self and body on God's altar through self-denial and suffering for truth, without which none enter heaven, crucifying self and giving up every idol instead of indulging appetite, fitful hasty temper and self-interest regardless of His cause, where whoever willingly sacrifices for eternal life will gain it worth all suffering beside the far more exceeding eternal weight of glory eclipsing earthly pleasure.SG4 171.2+1
It means giving the whole self in personal active service for others' salvation as reasonable duty of all knowing truth, accountable as belonging to a Master, bought and no longer one's own, doing God's will not one's own by stewarding all powers as faithful stewards of Christ's grace, with faith acted and practiced, holiness cultivated, selfishness put away, and Christ's meekness made practical through the Spirit's subduing work on mind and judgment and His constraining love, where every enlightened one is ordained to diffuse light as truly as a minister.Ms 25, 1899, par. 10–12
God calls men to place themselves on the altar by improving lent talents and spending all powers doing His will from the heart following Him who gave His life for the world's life, making the humble consecrated worker His representative, manifesting Himself through him and making him wise unto salvation.Lt 189, 1905, par. 7–9
Presenting self as reasonable service means those bought follow not own will but God's, with Spirit subduing hearts, lives and characters and Christ's love guiding actions, and those knowing truth are accountable to share and diffuse received light just as ministers are.Ms 99, 1902, par. 56
God calls to decided change through heart-conversion, ending listlessness and indifference toward perishing souls and revealing truth's sanctifying power by laying all on the altar with clear conviction of duty and childlike faith taking Him at His word.ST Sep 18, 1901
The verse calls for complete dedication placing selves at disposal willing to give strength and lives, with Christ's love transforming to willing sacrificial service.RH Jan 27, 1903
Those sharing grace give themselves without reserve, bringing gifts to the Master to be purified for His work, using resources to advance truth and taking active part with none exempt, offering time, talents, possessions and undivided energy in unselfish service to save the lost from gratitude for Christ's saving love.Ms 11, 1902, par. 28–29+2
Offering whole self is the response of belonging to Christ to please God by faithfully doing clear duty, laying self on the altar where Jesus does great things, uniting in mind through His Spirit to overcome defects and live in love and harmony.ST Apr 18, 1878+1
Devotion involves costly self-sacrificing benevolence where no faith-offering is too costly and every good work is remembered and rewarded, belonging to Christ meaning living and laboring for Him, sacrificing for His sake and seeking others' salvation, while half-hearted double service to self and Christ leaves one unfit to endure testing.2SP 383.1+2
Those redeemed belong to God to live transformed service, for He gave His Son and grants new life to develop loyal character.MYP 68.5
The verse means placing self on the altar as a missionary helping hand, consecrating as missionaries letting God use them step by step spending and being spent in labor for the world, with Christ's love touching and transforming to willingness to do and dare for His sake, a call to men and women alike.CEv 42.1+1
Giving self wholly is a living sacrifice following Christ's consecrated example, giving self to called work rather than indifference or selfish desire.RH Sep 28, 1905
Being on the Lord's side means consecrating all with thoughts, affections and energies toward Him in longing to bear His image, share His Spirit, do His will and please Him in all things.2T 262.2
Those receiving grace surrender wholly and give gifts in gratitude because belonging to Jesus who gave Himself, even the poorest through self-denial in response to God's love and gift of His Son, giving soul, body and spirit and remaining loyal to right rather than trading principles for money, position or friendship because of His infinite price.Lt 31, 1894, par. 12–14+1
The living sacrifice is a humble trusting life not thinking highly of self but walking humbly, looking to God, trusting Him and working out salvation with fear, where life is Christ's with all powers spent from the heart in God's will and every capability as sacred treasure to impart received knowledge and grace, self sunk in Christ and all glory to God while He works wisdom and divine power in the accepted worker whom He sustains, uses and makes His representative.Lt 83, 1898, par. 4–5
True godliness gives self without reserve offering strength, mind and abilities wherever placed, a complete dedication God accepts, requiring whole strength with every capability exercised preparing for His coming, working while day lasts, preparing the King's highway, removing stumbling blocks, showing life as God's property with heart purified, thoughts and affections obedient, whole being His temple and hindrances cleared.Ms 36, 1885, par. 31–32+1
Believers willingly give themselves for God to use for His glory, with Christ's love constraining imagination, purposes and plans from selfish desires toward self-sacrificing service with the mind of Christ using God-given abilities in His work.Lt 48, 1876, par. 2–3
The gospel calls Christians of every age and station to give whole selves with nothing held back, offering highest service by faithfully saving souls helped by grace, consecrating talents for highest holiest purposes doing greatest good knowing each life will be examined by a just God.RH Mar 2, 1905+1
Serving requires surrendering soul, body and spirit and continuing to understand and do His will until fully surrendered, whereupon God stamps His image, a seeking appointed leaders must do with humble broken hearts discerning defects, presenting cases before Him to comprehend duty and meet His mind and will and not yielding until fully surrendered.JIOKP 9.3+1
Consecrated service uses talents for highest good and involves self-denial consecrating all for others' sake, not merely holding position for personal interests but giving energies bringing discipline and fitness for responsibility, where God's word warms the heart to continuing sacrifices advancing His cause and union, while drying sacrifices show lack of Spirit and absence of His prospering hand calling preachers and people to searching of heart and ministers to examine exerted influence, since an unapproved independent spirit does not tell for union or advancement.STB 543.1+3
Serving requires giving self wholly, applying to ministers' lives and all possessed with influence, resources and abilities devoted to His glory, where offerings joined to impure unsanctified life are unacceptable and the soul must be cleansed from moral defilement.STBk 6.1
The body and powers consecrated include teaching children belonging to God by creation and redemption to dedicate bodily, mental and spiritual powers and train in unselfish service increasing happiness and usefulness, improving and developing all powers including intellect beginning in youth, cultivated not neglected even while trained to endure toil and hardship.7T 63.1+1
Complete consecration gives body, soul and spirit rather than living for self or worldly aims because bought with the life-blood of His only-begotten Son, and abiding in Christ turns selfishness to satisfaction, as people yield themselves and all powers by deliberate consecration.STB 542.3+1
Laying self on the altar as a living consuming sacrifice leads Jesus to do great things, making one through His Spirit more precious than fine gold and Ophir's wedge, bringing oneness of mind, eyes fixed on Jesus, dwelling in love and harmony here, and at last dwelling with Christ, angels and all redeemed through ceaseless eternity.Ms 135, 1901, par. 20
Giving self means dying to self yielding actions and sufferings to God's will with self-distrust and dependence on grace, so influence is sanctified and useful in His cause.Lt 39, 1875, par. 14–18
Every intellectual and physical capability is offered as consecrated sacrifice, the whole person of strength, mind, soul, body and spirit devoted not misused or idle, with faithfulness in small ordinary duties and reliability in little things preparing for greater responsibilities.STMW6 32.1+1
Giving self wholly lays self and all on the altar in unreserved dedication devoting entire strength to work always for souls as co-workers with Christ idling no moment because time is short, whereupon God works with effort giving large measure of Spirit to bless and encourage in cheerful following, and each helps the church by becoming a living sacrifice holy and acceptable, not wrecking the soul by self-thinking and ambition for position but letting Christ abide, strong in His strength, teachable, obedient, kind, ready to help helpless and oppressed, fruitful to God's glory and conformed to Christ's character.Lt 15, 1872, par. 2+1
Christians offer themselves wholly consecrating all and showing truth's sanctifying power, a call to whole families and potential missionaries to give themselves and labor with practical effort, thoughtful planning and wholehearted devotion.Ms 50, 1901, par. 26–28+1
The verse teaches giving body, soul and spirit with means, time and intellect to fulfill requirements, at times calling for self-denial, self-sacrifice and united work, where such giving brings financial and spiritual prosperity advancing church spirituality.6T 102.2+1
The verse calls for complete surrender of all held in response to God's gifts and Christ's complete offering for the world's life, making believers co-laborers representing Him, with daily goodness calling to place all on the altar where willing self-denying offerings evidence truth in the heart and join them with God in His work.RH Feb 18, 1902+1
Service means a noble self-denying cross-bearing life depending not on self but God, where prayer and learning from Jesus prepare for sacred duties and Jesus enthroned gives physical, mental and moral power to make Him known.STMW6 31.2
The verse means readiness for either hard service or death like a bullock between plough and altar, with singleness of purpose and devotion filling designed place as Christ did on earth, while God works for each according to faith.Lt 244, 1908, par. 3
It means putting self aside making room for the Spirit on the heart and living wholly consecrated with soul, body and spirit in His service, bringing no limit to usefulness but constantly new physical, mental and spiritual power as the Spirit puts forth highest energies in heart and mind, achieving victories over erroneous opinions, defects, small faith once thought impossible, with heavenly intelligences cooperating to reveal what humanity may become through union with the Divine for saving perishing souls.6MR 327.2+1
It means giving God the whole being as a living offering, which even children do by giving hearts, accepting Christ as personal Saviour and consecrating as His children including as New Year's offering, a most valued treasure and greatest gift because Jesus gave His life and God sent His Son in love and people are bought property, accepted when giving selves to be cleansed, helped to serve and made His temple to glorify Him in body and spirit.7MR 8.3–9.1
True worship is a life devoted to doing God's will, with preaching, praying and singing in place when accompanying obedience, showing faith with less of self and more of Christ while preparing for immortal life.Lt 186, 1907, par. 17
The verse means laying self as a living consuming sacrifice as a true believer ready to be or do anything required, faithful unto death with hands folded and eyes closed to wickedness no more, rewarded when the Saviour soon calls the dead to glorious immortality to behold the King in beauty.Lt 13, 1895, par. 1–5
Coming to Christ and giving self as continual holy sacrifice is conversion, done by all classes believing on the Lord Jesus and accepting Him as personal Saviour.Lt 4, 1899, par. 21
Believers not their own but bought must give whole self body, soul and spirit and strive for highest standard, enabling advancing His cause and winning souls under His counsel and strength, for receiving Christ calls for complete lifelong dedication of every energy and ability which mortals render by grace.Lt 147, 1904, par. 13–15+1
Believers live for God giving themselves wholly with undivided affections depending on grace and power without which they are poor, blind, miserable and naked, since God notices every act and motive and faithfulness pays in the end, making conduct and influence matter.Lt 4, 1874, par. 6
The verse means giving body and will in cooperation with divine energy for humanity's restoration, for man can do nothing without God yet God does nothing restoring humanity without human cooperation, the human part immeasurably small yet needed, making believers laborers together with God and bound to one another and to God.4MR 113.3–114.1
It means laying the soul on the altar putting self out of sight humbled at every step close to Jesus as a living channel whom God works in and through and by, communicating His will and moving by His Spirit, seeking His counsel and relying on His leadings rather than men's plans, prejudices, reports and impressions from minds He is not leading, with ministers speaking Jesus and practical godliness in harmony building up not tearing down, putting no brakes on progress and laboring in close harmony as blessing and help.Lt 40, 1887, par. 4–5
Offering whole life includes useful use of time and money and refusing harmful indulgences as self-denial dedicating powers to His work and glory, bringing higher powers into healthful action and preparing to help others, with example as well as instruction leading others to self-denial.Lt 264, 1903, par. 34
Presenting self includes placing self and possessions on the altar, confessing sin and searching the heart to put sin away, as disciples did in prayer preparing for the promised Holy Spirit.Lt 178, 1907, par. 7–8
Dedicating all held dearer than life through grace uses all means to advance His cause so all one is and hopes to be belongs to Him with whole body, soul and spirit His, giving self and all to the Saviour as willing sacrifice because His bought property, to be used as His instrument opening ways for many to hear truth and be saved, moved by souls' value for whom Christ gave His life and by salvation's great cost not to be passed lightly.Lt 143, 1902, par. 11–12+1
In view of mercy believers devote bodies avoiding moral defilement since the body is kept holy rather than used in sin, offering bodies using faculties in His service, for the body purchased at infinite cost must be kept healthy with minds clear and active to understand and do His will, joined to transformation by renewed minds and sober rather than proud thinking.SLP 27.2+1
Believers offer bodies holy by working with God, resisting fleshly desires, denying self, preserving mental vigor and following Christ's sinless example, with consecrated life connected to receiving atonement benefit.SG4 149.1
Withholding this reasonable holy service denies God His due, and accepting Christ acknowledging heaven's claims should lead to wholly yielded life.Ms 23, 1868, par. 7
Serving reasonably means offering the whole person including developing intellectual and physical abilities so entire being is devoted, requiring moral, intellectual and physical culture combined for well-balanced men and women, each improving deficiency whether strong intellectually or inclined to physical labor, without gauging course by fashionable society's habits.CT 290.2–291.1+2
Offering self is reasonable by daily renewed consecration complete and acceptable, an offering free from selfishness resting on complete trust in Christ.Lt 102, 1903, par. 10–11
The verse means giving self unreservedly at Christmas and New Year as well as money, as free-will response to every temporal and spiritual blessing through Christ on whom all depend every moment for grace, strength, integrity and love, brought according to ability by all with children with melody and praise rejoicing that the Saviour lives to intercede before Jehovah, returning backsliders to healing as God returns to them.ST Dec 14, 1882
Giving self responds to His love giving best holiest affections and obedience, dedicating thoroughly with family unity to please Him who died not to meet unconsecrated minds, made with humility, sorrow for unbelief and united daily prayer, linking life to God bringing blessing as beloved by God and angels, strength against temptation and ever stronger growth.ApY 78.1–2+1
The verse calls believers to rely wholly on Jesus and appeal to God rather than human counsel, for God is wisdom, grace and ability's source.Lt 92, 1896, par. 6
Consecration of life to Christ means surrendering self for service visible in devotion carrying forward His work, entering service faithfully presenting the body with every capability given at conversion, bringing even thoughts into obedience, laying mental and physical powers on the altar with time the Lord's not to be idled.AA 46.1+1
Dedication includes dedicating children by binding them on the altar through earnest prayer and faith entrusting them to His care, and giving self applies to dedicating children and placing entrusted property at His disposal as willing consecration to do His will for glory.ST Jan 7, 1889+1
Consecration of whole body, soul and spirit holding nothing back brings new physical, mental and spiritual strength enabling results beyond abilities and faith's expectation.RH Jan 5, 1911
The verse means laying selves as a living consuming sacrifice in faith, a sacrifice workers make to receive the Holy Spirit God wants them to have, bringing Christ's abiding light by the Spirit and rejoicing in the living risen Saviour.Lt 104, 1898, par. 16
The verse urges manliness and firmness instead of cheap profession, since unconsecrated professors mislead about Christ whose name they bear, with present choice deciding much good or thoughtless evil, calling every worker young and old to do his best as spiritual help and blessing with deep experience of God.Lt 2, 1895, par. 1–4

Physicians and those who care for the sick are called by the mercies of God to give their bodies to Him as a living, holy, acceptable offering, which is their rightful service, and to treat care of the body as part of duty to God. CH 384.1+3 They are to study this warning given through Paul, stand as watchful sentinels, and urge patients to obey it. 1MR 284.2+1 This obedience includes teaching temperance and health reform. CH 384.1+1
Health-reform educators are to stand firm and true in teaching the third angel's message, pressing back moral harm and the tide of moral woe. CH 476.2+2 Health of the body is a Bible requirement, and teaching healthful habits in eating and drinking and obedience to physical law is part of the gospel. Lt 73a, 1896, par. 20–22+1 Health institutions carry this work forward by being built up with qualified workers who can instruct others in treating the body to secure health and practicing temperance in all things. Lt 73a, 1896, par. 20–22+1 They are not to compromise principles to attract patients but to encourage avoiding foods that made the sick or will keep them sick. Ms 3a, 1903, par. 7–10 Those who believe the truth are to exert every influence to teach how to prepare food that is wholesome and appetizing and to multiply such workers. Lt 49, 1902, par. 46–47

With the rest of Romans 12 the verse gives instruction of high value serving as history for all churches, showing God's work must be carried on a higher plane of action. Ms 158, 1907, par. 5–6 All holding position as shepherds must represent the great Shepherd. Ms 158, 1907, par. 5–6 Dominating masterly power that dictates to the Lord's people what they shall do and shall not do is forbidden as a dangerous ungodly element. Ms 158, 1907, par. 5–6 That ruling power is not of God but another gospel and not the righteousness of Christ, must no longer be allowed, and spoils the church of God. Ms 158, 1907, par. 5–6
The appeal stands as testimony to workers needing repentance and daily conversion, and the chapter's cautions and exhortations should be studied prayerfully to understand the gifts making the church the light of the world. 15MR 57.4–58.1+1 Workers in publishing houses, sanitariums, and ministry who cherish inherited and cultivated tendencies to wrong, seek to rule over one another, and lack repentance are called to yield bodies and lives wholly to God in holiness as rightful duty. Lt 350, 1907, par. 13–17 This means converted intellects, daily converting power, and Christ as indwelling presence instead of remaining His enemies like those never yielded to Him. Lt 350, 1907, par. 13–17

Ministers and teachers of Scripture are called in view of mercies to surrender body, mind, heart, and life wholly to God's control through the Holy Spirit as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice, which is reasonable service. STA 82.1+4 They must not cling to sin, impurity, pride, selfishness, or self-glorying but turn from them, abandon cherished sin, and practice the truth they explain. STA 82.1+4 Ministers practicing health principles and living healthfully embody the light they share so the message becomes a testimony to others. Ms 64, 1898, par. 5–7 Ministers are urged not to disregard this appeal. Lt 164, 1901, par. 16–17
Messengers laboring in the harvest field in positions of responsibility are to give their bodies as a living offering pure and pleasing to Him as rightful service. Ms 59, 1900, par. 53–54 This means earnest personal work in temperance in all things instead of indifference displeasing to God. Ms 59, 1900, par. 53–54 Being worked by the Holy Spirit greatly increases influence on the side of truth and righteousness. Ms 59, 1900, par. 53–54 Giving every church a clear sharp testimony arouses moral sensibilities to practice temperance and gains a very great victory. Ms 59, 1900, par. 53–54

The principles of the chapter are to be studied carefully and practiced in small matters as well as large in order to be sustained. 21MR 57.1+1 Servants of God must be doers of the Word, work humbly, and seek wisdom from Him. 21MR 57.1+1 God high and lifted up will use men as His instruments as long as they work humbly. 21MR 57.1+1 Becoming exalted in self-opinion weakens workers and gives Satan power over them. Lt 126, 1898, par. 24–25
Romans 12 is connected with true education leading people to think and act as responsible moral agents. Lt 298, 1903, par. 3 This involves acting humbly in the appointed part and cooperating with God who works in people to will and to act. Lt 298, 1903, par. 3

Each teacher is to do all in power to present the body to Christ as a living sacrifice physically perfect and morally free from defilement, so Christ makes him a co-worker in saving souls. CT 301.2+2 Each person offering the body as a cleansed temple physically sound and morally undefiled becomes fit for God's indwelling presence. STE 40.2+1 A teacher is acceptable only when regenerated, created anew in Christ Jesus, holding living connection with heaven, and daily placing self on the altar. Lt 61, 1895, par. 10–11 Such consecrated ones are patient, kind, loving, and watch for souls as those who must give account, and God works with them. Lt 61, 1895, par. 10–11 Without this, discipline under its name carries out unsanctified desires and leaves offensive impressions on hearts, minds, and characters. Lt 61, 1895, par. 10–11
Ministers and all connected with the church are to obey by giving bodies holy and acceptable as reasonable service, including refusing the narcotic tobacco and being clean. Ms 65, 1912, par. 40–41 Those not meeting this requirement are not written in the Lamb's book of life though names stand on church books. Ms 65, 1912, par. 40–41

Presenting the body as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice as reasonable service includes giving means to God's work. STB 162.4 Those holding the Lord's money in trust fulfill it by counting it privilege to help pay for Loma Linda, well adapted to sanitarium work outside the cities from which cities can be worked. STB 162.4 This is done through gifts and loans at low interest, because the Lord's money cannot be better invested than in His work, thus laying up treasure in heaven. STB 162.4
Those connected with sanitariums and schools must be wholly converted, giving themselves body, soul, and spirit to God to be used as He wills in saving souls. CT 522.2+2 They are not to live for self or worldly purposes, withhold themselves from full consecration, or do with themselves as they please. CT 522.2+2 They belong to God, bought with the life-blood of His only begotten Son. CT 522.2+2 As they learn to abide in Christ no room for selfishness remains and fullest satisfaction is found in His service. CT 522.2+1 Time is short so the work must be done quickly. CT 522.2+1

Ministers must consecrate themselves to God at once with entire surrender, becoming sanctified by the truth. ROTS 9.2 Their work is then to produce converted souls rather than merely consume support. ROTS 9.2 Labor only consuming wages without blessing in soul-winning has no value to be sustained in God's cause. ROTS 9.2
One set apart as Christ's representative must give himself wholly to His work, with heart, mind, and body belonging to the Lord and entirely subject to Him, for the Lord wants all there is of a person. TEPD 24.1+1 A minister cannot engage in business transactions and financial speculations and keep heart and mind unaffected and uninjured. TEPD 24.1+1 Such entanglement binds about testimony, greatly injures influence as a minister of Christ, imperils the soul, and is the enemy's scheme to weaken influence. TEPD 24.1+1

Presenting the body as a living sacrifice means keeping it in health so the committed work can be done. Lt 44, 1890, par. 4–5 Bodily infirmity disabling from that work brings great loss to the church and shuts away a light that ought to shine in good works, patience, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, brotherly-kindness, love, and godliness. Lt 44, 1890, par. 4–5 Heeding Christ speaking through Paul requires being enlightened, becoming intelligent on caring for the body, taking time to think instead of sleeping to its importance, and imparting that light to others. Lt 44, 1890, par. 4–5
Sabbath-school workers are to give themselves to God and His work in complete consecration like offerings laid on an altar, even at personal sacrifice. TSSW 73.1 Their service seeks conversion of youth in care without selfish ambition. TSSW 73.1 Acceptable service grows from surrendered lives prepared by godly home instruction, family worship, and consistent parental example in love and fear of God. RH Oct 5, 1911 Youth thus learn to submit to God as teacher and leader and give Him highest service of life. RH Oct 5, 1911

All laboring for God are to give soul, body, and spirit fully to Him, including following health reform principles. Lt 41, 1911, par. 7–8 Light on health reform has grown clearer for years, yet many treat it as unimportant and follow appetite and inclination. Lt 41, 1911, par. 7–8 Indifference in influential positions leads others to disregard instruction of great importance. Lt 41, 1911, par. 7–8 Watchmen need reconsecration to be refined, sanctified, and fitted to work acceptably. Lt 41, 1911, par. 7–8 Students are to consecrate themselves so minds work under the Holy Spirit's direction. Ms 91, 1903, par. 17
Entire consecration to God and present necessities means self-denial in food, clothing, self-indulgence, and needless adorning. Ms 57, 1908, par. 12 It means repentance and humiliation for lack of self-denial and refusal to respond, refusing to fold hands and leave work for another, and arising to responsibilities and privileges. Ms 57, 1908, par. 12 It means using money as the Lord's for sacred work, educating children to do missionary work and bring offerings, and awaking to the spiritual character of the work with no weakness woven into experience. Ms 57, 1908, par. 12

Presenting the body as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice, which is reasonable service, requires students and schools to care for the body rather than harm it for book-learning, considering physical necessities, keeping suitable hours for study, not taking on too many studies, not overtaxing the mind, avoiding sinful practices, and not leaving physical powers unused until enfeebled.SPBC 212.1–2+2 Neglect that makes book-knowledge all-important trammels the human machinery, neglects what is essential for future welfare and eternal peace, dishonors God, and can ruin physically, mentally and morally and defraud for time and eternity.SPBC 212.1–2+2 Obeyed with a mind not conformed to the world but transformed by renewing and molded after God's plan, every moment of study is conscious of God-given responsibilities, breathes a heavenly atmosphere, is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and reveals truthfulness, justice, integrity, equity and righteousness, proving God's good and acceptable and perfect will.Lt 47, 1895, par. 48–50

The verse applies to educating children and conducting schools under solemn covenant to bring them up not for the world but to love and fear God and keep His commandments, and to work in Christ's lines and be nurtured for the future immortal life.FE 289.2+2 Schools established for this purpose must present a noble, elevated Christian character and exert an influence for God, refusing to become converted to the world, to follow its customs and fashions, or to lower moral and religious standards to gain popularity or numbers.FE 289.2+2 This nonconformity means refusing the eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, amusement, display and violence that marked the 120 years of probation in Noah's days and mark the world now before the coming of the Son of Man and the day of final reckoning, instead living sensibly with eternity in view by parents doing their duty in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.Ms 100, 1901, par. 32–34

Bodies are to be given as living and holy and pleasing offerings, which is right service, and this cannot be done while treating body and life with reckless carelessness that slowly destroys health to keep up with fashion, nor while knowingly violating health laws or following worldly customs and practices.Ms 59, 1900, par. 5+1 Following the fashions of the world is forbidden by sacred command that few professed Christians keep.Ms 59, 1900, par. 5

Keeping the body undeformed and healthy is required because the human frame is fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator.CTBH 90.2–91.1 Compressing children's waists and leaving their limbs exposed and unprotected, dressing for fashion instead of health, shutting them indoors in bad air producing invalids and early deaths, are forbidden.CTBH 90.2–91.1 Turning from fashion plates to study the human organism, dressing and teaching children to dress simply, loosely, comfortably and warmly, and keeping mind and body fit to train children for God and secure lifelong physical development, are required, since worship at the shrine of fashion breaks loyalty to the God of heaven and no one can devote time and talents to the world and still fulfill this offering.CTBH 90.2–91.1

The wonderfully made body is to be presented by caring for it and keeping it able to serve, so fashion that harms health and weakens a mother's ability to fulfill her duties conflicts with loyalty to God.Ms 62, 1900, par. 20+1 Every person must take care of the body as the temple of the soul, keeping it clean and pure and dedicating it to God while the soul is sanctified and ennobled.Ms 62, 1900, par. 20 This physical and spiritual consecration places a person where Christ's religion can be recommended, carries responsibility for personal salvation and accountability for influence on others, and brings God's promise to come and take up His abode with such a person.Ms 62, 1900, par. 20

The body is to be preserved in sanctification and honor as a living sacrifice, so a wife is not bound to yield implicitly to her husband's sexual demands when nothing but base passions control him and her reason and knowledge are convinced that yielding injures her body.2T 475.2+1 To gratify sexual excess at the expense of health and life violates the command to keep the body holy and acceptable to God.SA 45.2 A man cannot offer his body as living, holy and acceptable while weakening himself through corrupt practices and sensual excess, for bodily self-control is part of serving God and is necessary to care for his wife rather than harm her.Ms 152, 1899, par. 6–9

God lays solemn duty on parents to educate children for usefulness in this life and to adorn the inner temple of their sons' and daughters' souls for the immortal life.3T 147.1 Giving this reasonable service brings great change in society for the better, removes indifference to practical godliness, and arouses children's moral sensibilities to understand God's claims upon them.3T 147.1 Failure is carelessness in training in useful branches, allowing children to form wrong habits and follow their own inclination without impressing the danger and the necessity of being controlled by principle.3T 147.1

Laying self with wife and children upon the altar means committing them to Jesus in faith, casting self upon Him in trustful repose, looking ever to Him and believing His promises.Lt 79, 1902, par. 9–10 Those who do this are encircled by His loving arms, have souls kindled with holy joy as they look upon Christ's face, are kept cheerful and of good courage, use every means to preserve health of body, mind and spirit, and give the enemy no chance to lead them to complain.Lt 79, 1902, par. 9–10

Giving God the willing service of the powers of spirit, soul and body is required, and refusing it is robbery toward Him.Ms 10a, 1895, par. 57–58 Overdevotion to study that ruins physical, mental and moral powers by intemperate habits in seeking an education defrauds the self for time and eternity and breaks this call.FE 351.2–3+2 No method of education should crowd out the Word of God as counselor, or prayer, knowledge of God and desire for holiness, nor lose desire to learn meekness and lowliness of heart in Christ's school, lest eternal welfare be unattended.STE 130.1–131.1+2 Offering the body through faithful service includes caring for rather than neglecting or overtaxing it through excessive hours or neglect of activity, since such habits dishonor God, damage powers, and make the powers used in learning an end in themselves rather than serving God.FE 351.2–3+2

Presenting the entire being includes developing intellectual, physical and moral faculties together, improving areas of weakness rather than letting one kind of ability dominate, so the whole person is offered holy.CE 20.1+1 Reasonable service requires moral, intellectual and physical culture combined to make well-developed, well-balanced men and women, with those of greater intellectual strength and those inclined to love physical labor each improving where deficient.CE 20.1+2 Fashionable social customs and habits must not gauge the course or determine how they live.3T 157.1+1

This consecration must be taught to inexperienced ones, requiring unlearning of wrong things and learning again more correctly, and requiring teachers to cut away idle tales that only do harm.Lt 177, 1899, par. 12 Placing body, soul and spirit on the altar is done by cooperating with God, laying hold of His strength and giving Him rightful place.Lt 75, 1904, par. 11 For husband and wife it is expressed in deep, earnest, unchanging love, giving each other best affections, doing all in their power to help, strengthen and build up each other in faith, letting nothing divert them from that work, so they become a blessing to each other and find rest of mind and body in suffering.Lt 75, 1904, par. 11

The call to present the body as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice is a call to professed believers to be sanctified by truth in the present day of preparation, putting away every unholy ambition through conversion and a transformed life. That consecration sets a high standard of complete self-offering pleasing to God as the fitting response to His mercy, forcing a choice between striving for it and holding friendship with the world. It begins in the heart and belongs to preparation to stand in the great day of the Lord, joined to faith that works by love and purifies the soul.Lt 208a, 1902, par. 45–47+1

In view of Christ's soon coming the offering requires unholy appetites and passions to be cut away, with each person responsible to live so as to meet the record with joy rather than grief. It means practicing self-denial and self-sacrifice and living simple, healthful lives, for only those who live this way understand the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The exhortation is solemn, to be carefully studied and made a guide for future labor, containing wonderful truths not yet practiced, with God's voice speaking in clear strong words as if in golden characters.Ms 175, 1899, par. 1–3+1

Presenting the body means forsaking sin, turning to God, cultivating the Christian graces, and carrying that definite practical instruction into daily life and character, since believers are God's property and must not defraud Him. Because the world refuses Jesus, believers must come out and be separate, repent and be converted for the blotting out of sins, and present the body in self-surrender, uniting with the Lord to subdue a strong, defiant, unsanctified will until changed and molded after the divine likeness. Moral renovation must take place in every heart or souls perish in sins, daily character exposing spurious faith and proving true Christianity, and those who have put on Christ are transformed by mind renewal to prove by experience what is God's good, acceptable, perfect will.Ms 95, 1902, par. 17–19+2

God beseeches by His mercies for this presenting of the body because He knows it is for good, to build a wall around believers to keep them from transgression so His blessing and love may be richly bestowed. That full surrender of body and spirit is the condition for seeing every promise fulfilled, leading to a renewed mind proving His will and to an obedient walk with the soul opened heavenward for light, peace and joy. Consecration to Him as Keeper and Helper who hears every word and knows every thought is shown by actions proving desire to enter the kingdom, by right education and training keeping the intellect unimpaired, and by bringing all possible heaven into home, church and school with no perversity, stubbornness or disobedience where iniquity abounds.Ms 66, 1899, par. 9–12+2

Presenting the body holy and acceptable is the way to share the eternal inheritance and have a place in the city of God free from every impurity. All who profess Christ must therefore fight temptation while heaven watches and walk before the world to teach true living by example as well as precept.CTBH 24.1 The charge is addressed to youth as well as mature age, calling for new and complete consecration of the whole person as the fitting service owed to God.Ms 35, 1902, par. 1+1 That call applies with greater force as light and privilege increase, requiring full meeting of God's demands according to grace and truth given.Lt 60, 1886, par. 16

As the Judgment nears, warning-bearers must have clean hands and pure hearts and living connection with God, with pure holy thoughts and untainted soul, making body, soul and spirit a pure clean offering or He will not accept it.SLP 1.2 In the great day of Atonement self must be laid on the altar, with God's people examining themselves, correcting wrongs, confessing, repenting, and separating from the world to stand on His side.Ms 90, 1903, par. 15–16 Laying soul, body and spirit on the altar for repairs and restoration is done in personal earnest faith for healing, not by working into mental agony or depending on another's faith, but by presenting God's own Word and promise believing He hears and answers, trusting Him who gave reason and intellect, who would have men partake of the divine nature, and who as greatest Physician can save to the uttermost and would have the sick healed.Lt 100, 1898, par. 19

Dedicating all one is and has to the Lord's service is reasonable service, and because life is brief and uncertain and its length unknown it must not be delayed. Words, influence, possessions, work, life itself are to be used faithfully for God to whom account must be given, with worldly concerns not allowed to separate from Him.ST Jan 21, 1897+1 Giving the whole body means giving up ease, pleasure, comfort, convenience, personal will and selfish wishes for Christ's cause, living for Christ and His people's good rather than self-gratification, even willing to suffer for others' good.SG2 95.2+1 That costly self-denial and suffering for truth is required of those who would reign with Christ, and none will enter heaven without the sacrifice of crucified self and surrendered idols instead of indulged temper, appetite and self-interest; whoever willingly makes any sacrifice for eternal life will gain it, worth all suffering beside the far more exceeding eternal glory that swallows and eclipses earthly pleasure.SG2 95.2+1

After peace with God through forgiveness for His Son's sake, all is placed on the altar with the sanctifying power of truth felt in heart, life and character, striving for a conscience void of offense toward God and man and pleading for friends and neighbors, which qualifies for profitable soul-winning.8MR 213.2 Giving self wholly lays self and all on the altar in unreserved dedication, devoting entire strength of body, soul and spirit to work always for souls as co-workers with Christ, idling no moment because time is short, whereupon God works with human effort and gives a large measure of the Spirit to bless and encourage in cheerful following of His leadings.Lt 15, 1872, par. 2 Giving God the heart and all abilities is a willing holy offering rather than a loss, since all came from Him and the soul was purchased by Christ and all belongs to Him.MYP 70.2+1 That heart-consecration by unreserved surrender of all must come before a wife can greatly bless husband and associates, and keeping it means not spoiling the record by cheapness of word or action.Lt 15, 1902, par. 2

Self must die and the life now lived in the flesh be wholly consecrated in response to Christ giving His life, expressed in walking humbly with God and perfecting Christian character.Lt 81, 1899, par. 8 Receiving Christ calls for complete lifelong dedication of body, soul, every energy and ability to God's service, which mortals can render with divine grace.Lt 2a, 1896, par. 15–16 Serving God requires surrendering soul, body and spirit and continuing in seeking to understand and do His will until fully surrendered, whereupon God stamps His image on the soul.JIOKP 9.3 Appointed leaders especially must seek with humble broken hearts to discern defects, present their cases asking what to do to comprehend duty and meet God's mind and will, and not yield until soul, body and spirit are fully surrendered.Ms 95, 1907, par. 13