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THE ACTIVE DUTY OF FAITH: LIVING IN VIEW OF GOD’S MERCIES

Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:1-2 begins with a profound and intentional phrase: “In view of the mercies of God.” This is not just a passing remark but a clarion call to action rooted in the rich tradition of covenant love—hesed—God’s faithful and enduring commitment to His people. In Hebrew, hesed signifies far more than mercy; it is a covenantal love that encompasses steadfast loyalty, kindness, and the full spectrum of God’s benefits bestowed upon those in relationship with Him. It is this hesed, this covenantal faithfulness, that Paul uses as the foundation to compel believers into active, transformative engagement with their faith.

THE CALL TO RESPONSE: FAITH AS RESPONSIBILITY

The word responsibility can be reframed as response-ability: the ability to respond. In view of God’s mercies—His covenant love and the abundant benefits it entails—our faith journey becomes an active duty, a deliberate response to His generosity. Romans 12:1-2 does not prescribe a passive observation of grace but an active participation: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Why, then, do so many Christians struggle with their faith or their walk? Why do they see the promises of 2 Corinthians 1:20—“For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him”—but fail to experience them? Their responses often range from disillusionment to frustration and even despair. The overarching question becomes: Where is the salvation God promised?

COVENANT LOVE REQUIRES A RESPONSE

What many fail to recognise is the dynamic nature of this covenant relationship. In the cosmic dance between heaven and earth, it takes two to tango. Revelation 3:20 paints this beautifully: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” God knocks, but we must open the door. This partnership highlights that while salvation is a gift, its benefits require active engagement.

Consider the Bible as a love letter from heaven, a covenantal document that not only details all that belongs to us in Christ but also delineates the responsibilities we have to appropriate these blessings. Just as receiving a legal notice about a $100 million inheritance does not benefit you unless you act on it, so too does the Bible require us to act on its promises. Without obedience, participation, and the renewal of our minds, the riches of grace remain untouched potential.

THE BIBLE: A LEGAL AND RELATIONAL DOCUMENT

The Bible functions as a covenant—a legal framework governing a relationship. It is not merely a record of promises but also a guide to the “how”—the responsibilities we must undertake to access the benefits of the new covenant. Peter underscores this in 2 Peter 1:3-4: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these, He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

While Christians may acknowledge the benefits of the covenant, they often overlook its responsibilities. These responsibilities include renewing the mind, surrendering to God’s presence, and actively engaging with His Word. As commentator Matthew Henry writes, “Renewing the mind is the transforming power that makes us holy, acceptable, and aligned with God’s perfect will.” This transformation does not occur in a vacuum; it requires intention, discipline, and collaboration with the Holy Spirit.

HEAVEN’S BANK ACCOUNT: MAKING WITHDRAWALS

Salvation is like a bank account in heaven, filled with all of God’s riches at Christ’s expense (grace). Yet, to benefit from this account, we must actively make withdrawals. Passivity in our salvation leads to stagnation, but active participation leads to transformation. Paul calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices—an act of total surrender and commitment to God’s purposes.

This is the journey from spiritual childhood to adulthood. Just as a child must grow in understanding and responsibility to fully participate in the benefits of a family inheritance, so must we mature in our faith. The promises of God are not magical incantations but divine provisions that require us to partner with Him through obedience and trust.

THE PATH FORWARD: A LIVING SACRIFICE

To move from passivity to active participation, consider these steps:

1. Renew Your Mind: Immerse yourself in Scripture daily, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your thinking and align it with God’s truth.
2. Engage in Spiritual Practices: Prayer, worship, fasting, and community are essential disciplines that deepen your connection to God.
3. Act on His Promises: Take deliberate steps of faith to claim what is yours in Christ, trusting that His Word will not return void.

As theologian John Stott once said, “The gospel calls us to radical discipleship, to a commitment so all-encompassing that no part of our life remains untouched.” In view of the mercies of God, let us respond with our whole selves—body, mind, and spirit—and live as active participants in His covenant love.

By doing so, we not only fulfill our response-ability but also step into the fullness of what it means to be a Christian: a life transformed by grace, rooted in hesed, and committed to the eternal dance of faith with our Creator.

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
You are the source of all goodness and the perfect example of love in action. As we seek to walk in Your ways, guide us to rediscover the identity You have given us in Christ. Help us to align our hearts, minds, and actions with Your will. Teach us how to live out goodness not as an obligation but as a joyful response to Your grace. May Your Spirit lead us on this journey of transformation, shaping us into vessels of Your love and kindness.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• What does “being good” mean in the context of your relationship with God, and how does it differ from worldly definitions of goodness?
• How does rediscovering your identity in Christ influence your thoughts, decisions, and actions?
• What practical steps can you take to cultivate goodness in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you feel challenged?
• How does reflecting on God’s mercy and love inspire you to live out the fruits of the Spirit, such as kindness, patience, and self-control?
• In what ways can you actively partner with the Holy Spirit to become more aligned with God’s vision of goodness for your life?