Monday, June 20, 2011

United Together in the Likeness of His Resurrection

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of resurrection. (Romans 6:5) This fact requires that we apply our full measure of faith to this reality. For if the "mystery" spoken of by Paul concerning our being one with Christ and the Father is true and it most certainly is; then when Christ died (we died with Him) and when He was raised "by the glory of the Father" (we were also raised with Him).

We are told in scripture that because of this great truth that we should walk in the "newness of life." (Romans 6:4)  You and I as Christians have not only died to and for sin through our Savior Jesus Christ, but we are also raised again in the newness and glory of our Lord.  Walking in the newness of life is referring to our living our lives in such a way that the very life of our Lord Jesus Christ would be made real through our lives.  For not only are we in Christ-but Christ is in us! (Hallelujah)!  He is made real in us through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  We have been born again and are new creatures in Christ Jesus.  The first-fruit of the new creation who now have the privilege of living our lives so that Christ's life might be lived through our lives. How then are we to "walk in this newness?" We do so by submitting to and obeying the Holy Spirit as we are instructed and taught by Him according to the written word of God (the Bible).  For faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). This then is our duty as Christians; we are to commit to knowing our Lord through His word and revelation of the Holy Spirt. When once we know, we then are to do the will of our Father. Amen