QT 11/13/2024 Rom 6:1-7, A new sphere of life

Romans 6:1–7 (ESV) —

1 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 self was 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.

 

NOTE: It is foolish to suggest that since sin brought grace, that more sin would bring more grace. So what does it mean to be dead to sin in life today?

 

Origen, the most influential theologian of the ante-Nicene period, described death to sin in this way: “To obey the cravings of sin is to be alive to sin; but not to obey the cravings of sin or succumb to its will, this is to die to sin.”

 

A more interesting question is the new life that we are promised upon our resurrection. Mounce (1195) says 'The Greek expression translated “a new life” is better rendered “a new sphere which is life.” ' We really have no idea what this new resurrected sphere of life will be like. It could be like Eden before Adam sinned, a beautiful planet, purposeful work, and relationships. We have marred that original creation, including losing access to the tree of life, which ultimately brought death. I believe we will have a body with 'creature holiness,' meaning that sin will have no interest to us. Temptation will flow right by us without a second thought.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I realize that I am dead to sin? It does not have to control me?
2. I also know I am prone to failure, but the promise is that all of my sins, past present and future were paid for on the cross. Do I believe that?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the most important aspect of salvation is that there is a future and a hope, and eternity with you.