Death and Resurrection

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 6:1-14

 

Romans 6:4

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.

(ESV)

 

In the previous posting on the book of Romans, we observed a picture of baptism in the text of Romans 5:12-21. The passage in Romans 6:1-14 continues this discussion by describing our death to sin through the death of Jesus on the cross and our resurrection into newness of life through the resurrection of Jesus. The question we must ask as we study this passage is why we would continue in sin if we are indeed dead to sin and what must we do to truly live in newness of life.

 

The passage begins with the Apostle Paul asking the question of whether we are to continue in sin so grace may abound (Romans 6:1). Based on Paul’s quick and direct answer, we know the question is rhetorical for can one that has died to sin through acceptance of Jesus as savior still live in it (Romans 6:2). Paul then challenges readers to consider that when one is baptized into Christ Jesus, they are baptized into His death (Romans 6:3). However, Jesus did not remain dead but arose from the dead by the glory of God the father symbolized in baptism by one coming up out of the water (Romans 6:4).

 

A believer’s unification with Christ is unity with both the death of Christ in judgment for sin and His resurrection demonstrating victory over sin and death (Romans 6:5). A believer’s old sinful self was crucified with Christ on the cross bringing the value of sin to nothing, freeing one from enslavement to sin (Romans 6:6-7). Those dying with Christ believe they will also live with Him for death no longer has dominion with Jesus or those believing in Him (Romans 6:8-9). This does not mean believers in Christ will not die for all humanity will experience physical death (Hebrews 9:27) except for those caught up to meet Jesus in the air (1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Instead, the dominion of death as separation from God for eternity is gone (Isaiah 59:2, 20; John 3:16). Therefore, just as the death and sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, brought eternal salvation from sin, we are to live without the dominion of sin in our lives for we are dead to sin but alive in Christ (Romans 6:10-11).

 

Sin should not reign in the mortal body of a believer in Christ, causing us to obey its passions (Romans 6:12), but when a believer sins, they can still rely on the grace and love of God to provide forgiveness from sin (1 John 1:9). Paul concludes this teaching by reminding his readers not to present themselves as instruments of sin or having an attitude of sin and instead to present themselves as instruments of righteousness with an attitude of serving God (Romans 6:13). As believers, we live under grace and not the law and therefore need not live under the dominion of sin (Romans 6:14).

 

The picture of baptism illustrates the transformation that occurs in the life of one accepting Jesus as their Savior. No longer do they live under the control of sin in their lives for just as Jesus died, carrying all the sins of humanity, we have spiritually died to sin’s control in our lives (Romans 6:6). Unfortunately, we do not have our glorified bodies as yet and still, like Paul, struggle with sin in our lives (Romans 7:21-25). Fortunately, the grace of God is still available to forgive sin (1 John 1:9).  

 

The message of the Gospel is one of death and resurrection, initiated with the death burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus, who knew no sin yet took our sin to the cross so we can become the righteousness of God through His resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:21). One becomes a believer and inherits eternal life with God by confessing they are a sinner (Romans 3:23) and professing their belief in the substitutionary death of Jesus for their sins (Romans 10:9-10). If you have never made this profession of faith, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

Congratulations to those that just prayed to accept Jesus as their savior for you have died to your sinful life and are now entering into newness of life as a follower of Jesus Christ. Romans 12:1-2 instructs us not to live in conformity to the world but to be transformed through the renewing of our minds. We do this through exposure to the Bible through personal study by becoming part of a Church or Bible study teaching the Bible. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.