Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

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Scripture: Romans 6:5-11 (ESV)

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. 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.

Devotion:

            The Apostle Paul in today’s scripture repeats the main idea several times. He does not want the reader to miss a particularly important fact of the good news of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. The simple fact that Christ died for our sin so that we would be dead to sin. That meaning that death no longer has any power over the believer once they believe in Christ because they have been raised with Christ in his resurrection. On this hope and article of faith we stand firm. Jesus taught this as truth so the Apostles repeatedly after his departure from this world.

            Why did Jesus and the early Apostles consider this to be such an important teaching that they were willing to repeat it so many times? Because within this statement contains the most excellent teaching that if true (and the early followers of Jesus certainly believed it to be true) the whole word would be turned upside down. This statement, if it is true, changes everything.

            Because if Jesus died for our sins, dying once for all sinners, and was raised from the dead to a new life which he now imparts to all believers. Then the entire world has changed. We no longer need fear death. Satan the ruler of this world has been deposed and the title deed has been transferred from Satan to Jesus. Death through sin and Satan have simply passed away and a new ruler Jesus has taken over the ultimate control of our living, dying, and rising again,

            While it may seem as if this world did not change at the death and resurrection. The reports we have from scripture testify otherwise. God allows Satan some freedom to influence events here on this earth. It is important to note that the devil is God’s devil, and he can only go as far as God permits and no farther. We need not fear the devil for he is a defeated enemy. We are no longer slaves to sin, and death having been raised to new and everlasting life with Christ.

Prayer:

            Lord God, we rejoice today in our freedom from sin and death. We praise you that Satan is a defeated enemy. Help us to repeat the words of today’s scripture over and over so that we have them memorize to counter our enemies' attacks. Fill us with the Holy Spirit today that we may live a victorious life over sin and death. Praises to you are king almighty God forever and ever. Amen.

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