What does being "raised with Him" imply about our spiritual transformation? Verse Focus “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through your faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12) Buried and Raised: The Picture of Baptism - Baptism is not mere symbolism; it points to a literal union with Christ’s death and resurrection. - Going under the water pictures burial—our old life ended. - Rising out of the water announces a new life already begun, because God truly “raised us up with Christ” (Ephesians 2:6). Raised with Him: A Present Spiritual Reality - New Birth: We are spiritually alive now, not waiting until heaven (John 5:24). - New Identity: God sees us “in Christ,” clothed with His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). - New Citizenship: Our “life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3); our truest home is already above. What Spiritual Transformation Looks Like • Freedom from Sin’s Dominion – Romans 6:4-6 teaches that resurrection life breaks sin’s mastery; we are no longer enslaved. • Power to Obey – The same power that raised Jesus now works in us (Ephesians 1:19-20). • Continual Renewal – “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). • Hope Anchored in a Future Resurrection – Present spiritual resurrection guarantees bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Connected Truths Throughout Scripture - Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ… Christ lives in me.” - Romans 8:11: The Spirit who raised Jesus “will also give life to your mortal bodies.” - Philippians 3:10: Knowing “the power of His resurrection” means sharing both His sufferings and His life-giving strength. Living Out the Resurrection Now - Pursue purity: “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above” (Colossians 3:1). - Walk in faith-driven confidence: The resurrecting power of God is already at work, so discouragement never has the last word. - Serve with joy: Resurrection life overflows in love, generosity, and gospel witness (1 Peter 1:3-4). Being “raised with Him” assures us that spiritual transformation is not theoretical; it is a present, ongoing reality grounded in the historical resurrection of Jesus and guaranteed by God’s unfailing power. |
    |