Sep 25

When Jesus died on the cross, my old, sinful man died with him. Romans 6:3 says that through my baptism, I have been baptized with Christ into his death. Verse six says that my old self was crucified with him. But what does that mean, that my old self was put to death on the cross with Christ?

According to Romans 6, it means that sin no longer has power over me. Sometimes, people say that the power of sin is so strong in them that they feel almost compelled to sin; its power is so strong that they feel that they cannot resist it, that it actually drives them to sin.

But according to Romans 6, that power of sin to compel us to sin was broken on the cross, put to death with Christ. I no longer have to sin; I am free from its power. Verse 14 says that sin is no longer my master, but that I can master it. I now have the power to be free from sin. I no longer have to obey my sinful impulses. Because, just as I died with Christ on the cross, so too have I risen to new life with him in his resurrection (vs. 4-8).

But all this is not automatic. There is something I must still do. I must not allow my mind and body to go wherever they wish. I must submit them to the reign of Jesus (v. 12). I must offer myself to God for use as he sees fit. The benefits of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for me are not felt in my life unless that life voluntarily receives them.

Scripture for today: Romans 6
Thought for today: My sinful self died with Christ on the cross.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, remind me always not just to assume that your sacrifice will somehow work magically within me but that, as Romans 6:11 tells me, I must be aware of my need to take notice of the truth of my being set free from sin by your sacrifice. Help me always to be aware that I am no longer dead but alive in you.

SEP 25