Our scripture this morning is Romans 6:5-11.
Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
Paul tells us that through Jesus “we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was” (v. 5). What an amazing blessing! If we accept the promise God offers, we can be forgiven and escape the power of sin and death.
Even in our failure, God still loves us. No one is beyond His care and mercy if they earnestly ask forgiveness and repent. Scripture is full of examples of people whose lives were completely changed when they gave up sinful ways and turned to God.
The gift is offered to all but only those who choose to live as He taught us can receive the blessing. Jesus was the catalyst for this redemption, and we are called to be the disciples of today, sharing God’s love and welcoming all to His eternal kingdom. We are “dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus” (v. 11).
Loving Lord, we are ashamed of our sinful behavior and want to live differently through Christ’s sacrifice for us. Help us to go in Your name, bringing the Good News and the joy of our connection with You to everyone. Amen.