A Resurrection like His

Today's reading: Romans 4-6

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:5 NRSV

I don't think anyone wants to die like Jesus.

Yet, Paul suggests here that we must do so in order to participate in the resurrection.

What is he talking about?

Well, Paul is actually referring to sin. He raised the question concerning grace; if grace comes when we sin and are forgiven, should we sin more to receive more grace? Paul says no. In fact, he says we must die to sin just as Jesus died. Then we live to a new self, a resurrected self. If we die to sin, we are free from its power and its propensity to enslave us.

How do we die to sin?

At our baptism. In being baptized, we died to our sin just as Christ died for our sins. Now we are living the new life in Christ Jesus. Now we are alive in Christ. Now we present ourselves to God rather than to sin.

So, let's try to live like resurrected people this day.

God, you have poured out grace upon grace on us. We pray that we will live like those who have died to sin and live in righteousness this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims