What is the meaning of Romans 14:9? For this reason • The phrase points back to Romans 14:7-8, where Paul says, “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.” • The motivation behind every believer’s life or death is Christ’s ownership. • 2 Corinthians 5:15 echoes this: “And He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” • Because of Christ’s finished work, the believer’s purpose, decisions, and conscience issues (the chapter’s theme) are anchored in His lordship. Christ died • His death was substitutionary and sacrificial—“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). • Death dealt with sin’s penalty (Romans 6:23) and broke sin’s dominion (Hebrews 2:14-15). • Isaiah 53:5 shows He was “pierced for our transgressions,” tying Old Testament prophecy to the cross. • Because He literally died, our lives and deaths are now His (1 Thessalonians 5:10). and returned to life • Resurrection validated the sufficiency of the cross and proved His victory (Romans 4:25; Acts 2:24). • It introduced the “firstfruits” pattern for our own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). • His living presence guarantees ongoing intercession (Hebrews 7:25) and power for daily obedience (Ephesians 1:19-20). • Revelation 1:18: “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever!” that He might be the Lord • The goal of death-and-resurrection is authority: “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). • Philippians 2:9-11 shows every knee bowing to Him—a present spiritual reality and a future universal acknowledgement. • Colossians 1:18 ties lordship to preeminence “in everything.” • Practical implication: individual freedoms (diet, days, etc.) yield to His rule (Romans 14:10-12). of both the dead • Jesus rules those who have already died in faith; they are not lost or in limbo. • John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:14 links His resurrection to the certain resurrection of departed saints. • Mark 12:27 reminds us, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living,” underscoring continuing relationship. and the living • His present lordship shapes every choice, conviction, and act of worship we make today. • Galatians 2:20: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” • 2 Corinthians 5:15 calls us to active service, not passive existence. • John 10:27-28 assures ongoing life and security under the Shepherd’s care. summary Romans 14:9 declares that Jesus’ death and resurrection were aimed at one grand outcome: His undeniable, comprehensive lordship over everyone who has ever lived or died. Because He literally died for sin and literally rose in victory, He rightly claims every believer’s allegiance in life’s choices and in death’s certainty. Our freedoms, consciences, and futures all rest under the gracious, sovereign rule of the risen Lord. |
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