DEAD CHRISTIANS. Is it clearly manifest that Christians are dead to sin? If we are to have the fullness of Christ dwelling within it is vital that there be a death to all sin. Paul’s question was, How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom. 6:2 The crucified, the dead with Christ would have no response to sin. There is a great need for the ministry and the church, of today, to change what is too often practiced as a ritual into a spiritual experience. The intent of the Lord in water baptism it that the baptized might experience the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Paul wrote of being baptized INTO Christ. (Greek, eis, a primary preposition, to or INTO (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time or (figuratively) purpose). (Strong’s). Therefore in water baptism we are placed, by faith, in the tomb with Him. Being baptized INTO Christ Jesus. We identify with His experience and become one with Him in His death. We therefore, have the right and privilege of reckoning, considering ourselves to be dead to sin, and very much so, living in Christ. Rom. 6:11
THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION. What a blessed dwelling place. Glorious spiritual standing of freedom and liberty. The Spirit of life, the result of the new birth and burial with Christ Jesus has resulted in release from the law of sin and death. The Law, failed because of the weakness and iniquity of man. Therefore, God sent Christ born of a woman, to become the only offering for sin. The only source of relief from the guilt and reproach of sin. Now, through the means provided by Christ, we may fulfill all the spiritual, righteous requirements of the Law. Now, we may live a life patterned after the life of Christ. No longer will sin reign in us and spoil the beauty of the Christian life. Rom. 8:1-4 It is not needful that we live under constant guilt and accusation for there is a life prepared for us in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us find it, enter into it and live it.
PRECIOUS PROMISES. Raised, to enjoy the blessings of a new life in Christ, providing water baptism had the spiritual intent portrayed in the scriptures. It is a terrifically meaningful component of our spiritual life. For that matter, none of the spiritual practices that are ours are meaningless. They all have real significance and benefit as we follow them. Rom. 6:4-5 If we have been planted together with Him. What a nice choice of words. Planted together, All plants are planted with the expectation of future growth. So it is with the Christian. Being obedient, and having been planted with Him we may expect spiritual growth, for some more luxuriant than others. Some translations make it, united, which is also a good choice. Our spiritual future is entirely dependent on our union or our relationship with Christ. Resurrection life is for us now. Rom. 6:5 We may enjoy a walk in the power of His Spirit with full and complete victory. There is no place for defeat in Christ. We are more than conquerors. Why not live up to our privileges in Christ Jesus and enjoy all that He has purchased for us now.