Our scripture today is Romans 6:3-10.
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 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— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
Paul continues an explanation of faith in his Letter to the Romans. He makes an unusual statement – “all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death” (v. 3). He shows that through Christ’s sacrifice we too can conquer sin and death by trusting Him.
Jesus explained that we must “die” to self and the selfish things of this world in order to follow Him. To be free of sin we must be willing to put the needs of others ahead of our own, to worry more about people, and less about possessions or position. It is not always easy, but it is always right.
Paul writes “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God” (v. 10). Because of this we can choose to be free from the curse of sin by choosing Christ. His sacrifice has opened the path to eternal life and His example shows us the way.
Gracious God, thank You for sending Jesus to show us the joy of a life in You. Strengthen us and send us to share Your love with all the world. Amen.