Personal Reflection: Understanding the Gospel’s Call to New Life

The Journey from Death to Life through Christ

The message of Romans 6:1, 11—“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? . . . Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord”—has always resonated deeply with me. It is not merely a theological declaration but an invitation to enter a life of transformation, a call to embody the gospel in its fullest expression. This powerful passage challenges me to reflect on what it truly means to die to sin and live for God, not just in doctrine but in the realities of daily life.

The Call to Transformation

The gospel’s call to new life is a profound shift, a movement from one existence to another. It is not simply about turning over a new leaf or adopting a moral code. Instead, it is a radical reorientation—a departure from the dominion of sin and an entrance into the freedom of grace. The question Paul poses at the beginning of Romans 6—“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”—is one that pierces the heart. It reminds me that grace is not a license to remain in the old ways of living but the power to embrace the extraordinary newness of life in Christ.

For me, this transformation is not theoretical; it is deeply personal. The gospel calls me to examine every aspect of my life—my thoughts, my desires, my actions—and to surrender them to God. It is a journey of relinquishing control and trusting that His ways are higher, better, and life-giving.

The Metaphor of Death and Resurrection

Paul’s imagery of being “buried” and “planted” with Christ is one that I find both sobering and inspiring. It captures the weight of what it means to participate in the death of Christ—to let go of the old self, with all its inclinations toward sin and selfishness. This is not an easy process. It requires humility, repentance, and a willingness to confront the parts of myself that resist change.

Yet, this metaphor also carries a promise: just as Christ was raised to glorious life, so too am I invited to rise into a life that reflects His beauty and holiness. This resurrection is not merely a distant hope but a present reality. It means walking in a new identity, one that is no longer bound by the chains of sin but liberated to pursue God’s will. I am continually amazed by the grace that makes this transformation possible—not by my own strength but through Christ’s power at work in me.

What It Means to Be Dead to Sin

To be “dead to sin” is a concept that I have wrestled with and marveled at over the years. It conveys both a liberation from sin’s dominion and a complete severance from its influence. This does not mean that I am free from temptation or immune to failure. Rather, it means that sin no longer has the final say over my life. Its power is broken because of Christ’s victory on the cross.

This truth has profound implications. It reminds me that I am not defined by my past mistakes or current struggles but by the grace of God. It also challenges me to live in a way that reflects this freedom. Being dead to sin is not a passive state; it is an active, ongoing decision to reject the things that separate me from God and to embrace the things that draw me closer to Him.

Breaking Sympathy with Sin

One of the most convicting aspects of this call is the idea of breaking all sympathy with sin. This goes beyond outward behavior to the very inclinations of the heart. It is one thing to resist sin on the surface; it is another to no longer find it attractive or desirable. This is where the transformative power of grace becomes evident.

I have experienced moments where God has replaced my desires, shifting my focus from worldly pleasures to the joy and satisfaction found in Him. This does not happen overnight, and it is often a process marked by struggle and surrender. Yet, I am continually reminded that His grace is sufficient. It is not just a covering for my failures but a force that renews my heart and mind, making me more like Christ.

Alive unto God through Jesus Christ

If being dead to sin is like a burial, then being alive unto God is like a resurrection. This new life is characterized by holiness, purpose, and intimacy with God. It is a life that reflects His glory and bears witness to His transforming power.

To be “alive unto God” is to live with a sense of vibrancy and fullness. It means walking in obedience not out of obligation but out of love. It means being empowered by the Holy Spirit to bear the fruits of righteousness—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It means seeing every moment as an opportunity to glorify God and to reflect His character to the world.

For me, this aspect of the gospel is both a challenge and a joy. It reminds me that my life is no longer my own. I have been bought with a price, and I am called to live in a way that honors the One who gave everything for me. This is not a burden but a privilege, a chance to participate in the divine story of redemption and restoration.

The Practical Implications

Living as one dead to sin and alive to God has practical implications for every area of my life. It shapes how I think, how I act, and how I relate to others. Some of the ways this transformation manifests include:

·      Renewed Mind: This involves rejecting sinful thoughts and aligning my mind with God’s truth. Romans 12:2 challenges me to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, allowing God’s Word to shape my perspective and priorities.

·      Pursuit of Holiness: Living for God means cultivating virtues like love, patience, and self-control while actively resisting temptation. It is a daily choice to reflect His character in my actions and attitudes.

·      Freedom from Guilt: Understanding that sin no longer has dominion over me allows me to walk in freedom from guilt and condemnation. This is a powerful reminder of Christ’s sufficiency and the depth of His grace.

·      Mission and Witness: A life transformed by the gospel is a powerful testimony to others. It invites them to experience the same freedom and joy that comes from knowing Christ.

Conclusion: Embracing New Life

Romans 6 challenges me to embrace the full implications of the gospel—not just the forgiveness of sins but the power to live a new and victorious life. To be dead to sin is to renounce its hold and to reject its claims over my life. To be alive unto God is to walk in the light of His grace, empowered by His Spirit, and reflecting His glory.

Through Christ’s death and resurrection, I have been given a new identity, a new purpose, and a new life. This is the heart of the gospel: freedom from the chains of sin and the invitation to walk in the abundant life God has prepared for me. My prayer is that I would embrace this reality each day, living as one who is truly dead to sin and alive unto God—for His glory and my eternal joy.

Blessings,

Minister A. Francine Green