ROMANS 6
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old selfwas crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. – Romans 6:1-11
ROMANS 6 ALIVE TO GOD IN CHRIST
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When Jesus died on the cross, he was raised from the dead
His resurrection defeated death and made humans free
If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you were given new life
Your old life is gone and you are now alive to God in Christ
Continue to wear your new nature so you’ll be sanctified
Jesus died for you in order for you to live a pure and holy life.
The question “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?” sounded hedonistic.
Paul reiterates this question by raising the issue of the aftermath of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Remember that Paul’s letter was addressed to the Christian church in Rome which consists both of Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul tells the believers that they were joined in death when Jesus died and in the same manner, will also be joined in Christ’s resurrection when he comes back again.
All believers now have a responsibility to grow their faith and wear their new nature in Christ so that we all stay pure and holy until Christ comes again in glory.
REFLECTION
- What can you say about those Christians whose lives have not been transformed?
