WEDNESDAY July 8, 2020

Dead to Sin

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Romans 6:1-3

The Apostle Paul began this chapter with a question. Now that I have been set free does God give me the liberty now to continue to sin more than ever before? No possible way! Observe what the text is saying. As we have been given God’s grace does that mean a person can sin more, and God will give more grace? No! God forbid! When we sin it means we are missing the mark. Christians should not continue in a life of sin otherwise they would be a walking contradiction!

Christians are to be dead to sin. They identify with Christ’s death through baptism. A dead person is a corpse––the body cannot be active to live a life of sin any longer. God has made it possible to die to ourselves––we can be like Christ. Christians are responsible for the knowledge of the Scriptures. There will be a greater judgment for those in the light. If they chose to sin willfully against God, and if there is no repentance––God’s judgment will come upon that person––big time. Understand, to much is given much more is required.

Some people in the church may feel this does not apply to them. They feel they have a certain freedom to live and do as they please. They believe they have their own unique relationship with God. Really? Paul taught that a person who is taking advantage of God’s grace by disobeying His Word is actually flowing with the currents of this world.

Any dead fish can follow the currents of this life, but a true living fish fights against the currents of this life. A true Christian goes against the currents of this life––not flow with it. A life of sin will destroy and kill you! Those who flow with the world will not be able to do anything for God––sad.

Saving grace makes a man as willing to leave his lusts as a slave is willing to leave his galley, or a prisoner his dungeon, or a thief his bolts, or a beggar his rags.
~Thomas Brooks~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!