No. 291 - Raised to New Life

The Victory of Christ’s Resurrection

 
Raised to New Life

Romans 6:4-5 (ESV) 

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." 

Starting Prayer 

Dear Lord, as I meditate on Your Word today about being raised to new life in Christ, I seek Your wisdom and understanding. Help me grasp the significance of being united with Christ in His death and resurrection, and how this impacts my daily walk with You. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Background 

In Romans 6, Paul explains the profound spiritual truth of believers being united with Christ through baptism, symbolizing death to sin and resurrection to new life. Verses 4-5 highlight the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. Through baptism, we participate in His death and resurrection, experiencing a spiritual rebirth that empowers us to live victoriously over sin. This week's theme focuses on the victory we have in Christ's resurrection, which not only secures our salvation but also empowers us to live in righteousness. 

Be Encouraged 

Imagine a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly—a radical change from crawling on the ground to soaring in the air. Likewise, through our union with Christ in His death and resurrection, we are transformed from slaves to sin to children of God who walk in newness of life. This new life isn't just about moral improvement but about being empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God's will. 

Consider the practical implications: just as a new plant grows from a seed planted in fertile soil, our lives bear fruit when rooted in Christ. Our thoughts, actions, and relationships are transformed as we live out the reality of being raised to new life in Him. 

Application 

Reflect on Colossians 3:1, "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." Also, meditate on Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." 

Invitation 

If you have not yet obeyed the gospel, then you have not experienced the new life offered through Christ's resurrection. I invite you to visit a nearby Church of Christ. There, you can learn more about how to respond to the gospel through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). The Lord will add you to His church, where you can grow in understanding and obedience to His Word (Matthew 28:18-20). 

For those already walking in newness of life, let us continue to embrace and proclaim the victory we have in Christ. Share this message of transformation with others, inviting them to also experience the life-changing power of Christ’s resurrection. 

Concluding Prayer 

Thank you, Lord, for the profound truth of being raised to new life in Christ. May I walk today and every day in the power of Your resurrection, living as a testimony to Your grace and love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 

May the Lord bless your day. 


Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana

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