JESUS' RESURRECTION GIVES US CONFIDENCE

 

Romans 6:5-7  If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin -- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (NIV)

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The final stage of immersion-baptism, coming up out of the water, reminds us that as Jesus was raised from the dead, we too have been given a new life to live. The resurrection of Jesus assures us that one day we will have new bodies which will have no desire to sin. But until then we are called to live a 'resurrection life' in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The truth is that, even now, in Christ we do not have to sin: we are no longer slaves of Satan who are forced to rebel against our Lord. We are not compelled to sin although, alas, we sometimes choose to. However the whole point of our new life in Christ is that we will choose not to! That is our daily struggle. We 'die to sin' as we 'take up our cross daily' (Luke 9:23-24). That means denying the validity of temptation, refusing to accept the lie that sin is 'good for us', as we practise obeying the Lord.

The death of Jesus Christ is not just a kind act on our behalf, but it is designed to start a revolution in the way we live - at work, in the community and at home. Indeed if we are not changing from what we were, something is wrong. And that change needs to continue: "so that everyone may see your progress" (1 Timothy 4:15). Conversion is not the end-point of the Christian's life; it is the start-point ... after that we must make progress in our obedience every day until we are finally united with Him. So stop and look at your life, consider the lies you accept and the sin you commit; then repent and ask the Lord for help so that you can live a more obedient life.

Prayer:  Dear Lord God. Thank You for saving me so that I should not be a slave of sin any more. Thank You that the resurrection of Jesus assures me that You have the power to break the chains of sin and death. Until I meet You in a new resurrection body, please empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live a new life in submission to Jesus alone. Give me the insight to see what needs to change in my life so that I can make progress in my Christian life, bringing glory to You and encouragement to those who look up to me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.