Newness of Life

The Story

The apostle Paul had just written some of the most wonderful words in the Bible: “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” However great our sin, God’s grace is greater.

But he knew some people would twist that. So he asked the question for them. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” If God forgives everything, why not keep sinning?

“God forbid,” Paul answered. “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

Then he explained what happens when someone is baptized into Christ. It’s a picture of a funeral and a resurrection. Going under the water is like being buried with Jesus. Coming up out of the water is like rising with Him.

“That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Our “old man is crucified with him.” We are no longer slaves to sin.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Reflection