Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

 

Dying with Christ, Rising to Life 

Bible Reading:  Romans 6:1-8  
 
Key verse:    For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin  might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. (Romans 6:6)   

DEVOTION

This passage from Romans 6 conveys a central theme in Christianity: grace and sanctification.  In the verses just before this, Paul teaches that grace is a gift, freely offered to all who believe in  Jesus Christ for salvation. But then he anticipates a question many, including us, might ask:  “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” (Romans 6:1)  
This moment confronts us with a deeper truth, salvation isn’t just about being forgiven, it’s about  being transformed. If we have truly placed our faith in Jesus, then our old, sinful self has been  crucified and buried with Him. Our pride, addictions, idolatry, and shame; everything that once  kept us from God, was nailed to the cross. Spiritually, our former identity dies with Jesus.  
And once that old self is buried, we can be born again, just as Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3.  It is then that the Holy Spirit begins the work of sanctification, shaping us everyday to become  more like Christ. We receive a new identity, and begin a journey of spiritual growth and renewal.  While we may make mistakes along the way, it is there that God’s grace leads us back to the path  of salvation.  
This leads us away from sin and death and toward life and salvation. No longer walking toward  the grave, we now walk in step with the Spirit, toward eternal life.  
  

PRAYER

Dear God,  
Thank you for sending your son to die for our sins. Thank you for reassuring us that we are no  longer ruled by or defined by the sins and failures of the past but rather by your Grace. Help us  to leave our old self behind and allow the Holy Spirit to shape and transform us into who you  have called us to be. Help us to no longer be slaves to sin but to be free in a life called by you.  
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen.  
 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

For I am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come nor powers  nor height or depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jason David  
Columbus, Ohio (affiliated to St. Thomas MTC, IN)