Romans 6:1-11 (NIV)
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? 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,[a] 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.
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Devotion
Jesus’ resurrection validates His message and His ministry. But it is also important to note that the practical implications of His resurrection are far-reaching and have the utmost significance in the lives of people and in the history of Christianity. Below I will list six consequences of Jesus’ resurrection.
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- It demonstrates His deity. The resurrection proved His claims and vindicated His character. “He was declared to be the Son of God with power, by the resurrection from the dead.”
2. It demonstrates the completion of redemption. Jesus died to save the world. The work of salvation was completed in the resurrection. Jesus said, “It is finished!” Paul writes, “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting? Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
3. It demonstrates that Jesus lives with and in His people. He promised them that He would be with them. The resurrection answers this. This vital union of the believer with Christ becomes more valuable after the resurrection. The believer is risen with Christ and the Christian life is the outliving of the in living Christ.
4. It demonstrates the existence of eternal life. People often contemplate the age old question: Is there life after death? Jesus’ resurrection fully answers this question.
5. It demonstrates the identity of personality after death. Jesus was recognized by those who knew Him before His death. He was the same Jesus they had known before.
6. It demonstrates the ultimate triumph of the believer. His victory is the victory of all who believe on Him. “Because I live, you will live also.” (John 14:19)
The earthly life of Jesus closed in great triumph. He was once dead, but now He is alive forevermore!
Questions to Ponder
Which of these practical implications is most meaningful to you? Why?
Prayer
- Ask the LORD to grant You greater desire to know Him better.
- Ask the LORD to impart in you a greater passion for Him, His Word, Prayer, etc.
- Pray for yourself and the greater one Church – that Jesus would be on the throne of our heart and that we would go out and share Him with others.
- Ask the LORD to grant you (and those around you) strength in your inner man with endurance.
Father, I praise You as the One Who conquered sin and the grave. Lord, you never change. You are the same yesterday, today and forevermore. Thank You that Your Word tells us that You are God with us, but also God in us by Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Life everlasting with You. Help me to live each day with my gaze set upon You, I want to see people and situations through Your eyes, help me today to do that Father. I ask that You enable me, by Your Holy Spirit, to see the impact of the resurrection on my life and the life of others. Lead me into Your truth, Lord, I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.