[1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? [2] God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? [3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? [4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [Romans 6:1-4]
It seems to be a part of human-kinds nature to want to be a part of something. I have seen the extent that individuals go to in order to be a part of an organization, a club, a fraternity, a sorority and such. I assume that the main reason for this is that belonging to an organization that has an established reputation and a verified value gives that individual a relationship to which they will also be identified.
In the letter to the Church at Rome Paul emphasizes that Christians are privileged to be a part of a special and exclusive group. (exclusive to followers of Christ.) The mandates of this group sets it apart from any other group. The conduct of the members is distinct and serves to set it apart from any other brotherhood or social/civic organization. The practices of this group illuminates the path of righteousness so that others might find a relationship with God.
Paul challenges the hearts of the members by giving them a look at the foundational precepts upon which the group exists. He asks, “shall we sin just because Gods grace is available?” I’d like to parallel that question with, “Would you let a rattle snake bite you just because there is an anti-venom available? The answer rest within the fact that there are some things that we just don’t do. In fact, Paul asks how that when we are dead to sin do we even allow sin to enter our life?
My belief is that for every Christian that is now a Christian that there was a day that they came to a reckoning about what to do about their soul. The magnitude of that event was summed up in Paul’s words: “so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death.”
To be a part of the body of Christ is the greatest membership that can possibly exist. Jesus died to die no more and we are privileged to be beneficiaries of that death. Even more important, we are beneficiaries of His resurrection. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him.
Fellow members of the body; live in the glory and the promise of the death and the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
May God keep you,
Nathaniel Grimes, Minister Fowlkes Street Church of Christ
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