Romans 6: 1-14
Still on the issue of paradox, we consider the one about life and death. Apostle Paul here makes us to understand that living is dying and dying is to live. How can this be possible? In his letter to the Galatians, he states:
I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
There is no contradiction here. If you want life, you must die! What does this imply? We were dead in our sins before we were saved by the Lord’s exceeding grace. After salvation, we are not expected to continue in our sins. In fact, before the new birth, there should be conviction, confession, repentance and forsaking. If you gave your life to Christ, you are saved. You need further steps. You must take conscious steps to be far away from sinning. How can you be a child of God and you live in sin? If you do this, you are dead while alive. But you must nail your “old man” to the cross before the “new man” can appear and live according to God’s purpose and character.
Take a look at your life. Can you say whether the “old man is alive or dead in you? If you yield to sin, the “old man” is still alive to the detriment of your soul. Remember that whoever you yield yourselves to is your master. That is the servant of who you are. This year, beginning from today, and for the rest of your life, make it a priority to run away from sin. Let the “Old Man” remain crucified so that your “New Man” can live in accordance with Divine purpose for your life.
MEDITATION: I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20.
