What does being "alive to God in Christ Jesus" mean for believers? The Key Verse in Focus Romans 6:11: “So you also must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” What “Alive to God” Means at the Core • A factual, God-declared reality, not wishful thinking. • A spiritual resurrection united to Christ’s literal resurrection (Romans 6:4; Ephesians 2:5-6). • A new identity—no longer defined by Adam’s fall but by Christ’s life (1 Corinthians 15:22). Freedom From Sin’s Dominion • Sin’s authority is broken: “For sin shall not be master over you” (Romans 6:14). • The believer is transferred from slavery to sin into obedience to righteousness (Romans 6:17-18). • Temptation still knocks, but it no longer owns the deed to the heart. Union With Christ—The Source of Life • Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” • Colossians 3:3-4: our life is “hidden with Christ in God,” guaranteeing security and intimacy. • John 15:5: abiding in the Vine allows His life to flow continuously into ours. How This New Life Shows Up Day-to-Day 1. New desires – Loving what God loves (Psalm 40:8). – Hating what grieves Him (Ephesians 4:30). 2. Changed mindset – Setting the mind on the Spirit produces life and peace (Romans 8:6). 3. Active righteousness – Presenting body parts “as instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:13). 4. Ongoing renewal – “Being transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Power for Holy Living • The same power that raised Jesus now energizes obedience (Ephesians 1:19-20). • The Holy Spirit indwells, enabling victory (Romans 8:11). • Good works flow out of life, not to earn life (Ephesians 2:10). Hope Fueled by Resurrection Certainty • 2 Corinthians 4:14: knowing He “will also raise us with Jesus.” • 1 Peter 1:3: a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” • Assurance that physical death is a doorway, not an end (John 11:25-26). Living It Out • Reckon it true: consciously count yourself alive each day. • Reject sin’s lies: it no longer has rightful authority. • Rely on Christ’s life: draw strength through prayer and the Word. • Reflect His character: display love, holiness, and hope to a watching world. |
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