What does it mean to be made anew?
Romans 6:4 says, “We were 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.” What does it mean to be baptized into death? I ask myself earnestly and wonder the possibilities in interpretation.
In a spiritual baptism we experience a death and resurrection figuratively that Jesus experienced literally. To be resurrected, one must die first. If we are united in Christ within death we are also united through the resurrection. A death through Christ is letting go of our earthly ambitions and letting Jesus take the wheel.
Most times it is probable that we try to juggle two relationships—between our earthly aspirations and our relationship with God. “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). There is no serving one thing while being loyal to another.
It is explained that we were crucified with Him and our bodies will not be bound to sin. It sounds amazing right? Maybe even easy? To give it all to Him and be wiped clean of sin. It’s all we want, right? It is difficult to give up all your control and habits from your life. Even when doing so, maybe you feel as though you don’t deserve to have God enter your heart where so much darkness found refuge. This death requires sacrifice and most times it almost seems impossible to let go. As the floods destroyed all that the earth had become, the sacrifice was to make way for the bigger picture of new life.
Romans 6:1-2 says, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”
For reflection:
- Does your life show a pattern of perpetual sin? Is there one particular area which tempts you regularly?
- Do you consider yourself dead to sin? Do you realize that you are free of the compulsory power of temptation? How will this knowledge help you endure the next time you are tempted to sin?
Recommended Posts
Practice: Examen
April 8, 2023
True Injustice
April 7, 2023
A New Mandate
April 6, 2023