By: Juliet Constantine

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (Romans 6:8)
 

When Adam and Eve introduced sin to our planet, the sentence was eternal death. They gave up the opportunity to live eternally. Not only did they choose death, but their decision robbed them of their power of choice. But God stepped in and provided a way out that gave them an option to choose again – to choose life. Through the ages, every human is making a decision, moment by moment, to accept God’s contingency or to forever remain with the choice of eternal death.

For those choosing eternal life, it is a moment by moment reaffirmation of their decision to die to sin. But what does it mean to be dead to sin? We are constantly reminded, as Christians, we are to die to sin; but what does that really mean and how is it possible?

Let’s begin with what we know. We know that when a person dies life ceased to exist – their power is no more. Using this in context of being dead to sin, we can safely assume that we no longer allow the power of sin to control us and our interest in sinful practices looses its attraction.

This is only possible when we surrender, moment by moment, to live in the power of Christ resurrection. You see, Christ’s death paid the penalty for our sin, but it is His resurrection that provided the power for us to live above, and to be victorious over, sin. God’s contingency worked! We can choose again – but this time – we choose eternal life. We’ve chosen not to continue in sin, to put away all evil practices, and to say no to evil enticements.

For the child of God, living with Christ is not a futuristic event. It’s happening now, moment by moment. They choose to be kept in His love; they choose to accept life from above. Praise God!! They are dead to sin, but alive in Jesus Christ! They are not missing out on any fun and excitement. There is so much joy-lasting joy-incomparable joy in living for and with Christ. The life we now live is like a rehearsal for that time when we will see Him face to face.

Oh my brother, oh my sister, why do we continue to sin when we’ve died to sin? Is it for grace to abound? God forbid. Grace rejected will one day be unavailable. Let us exercise our power of choice and choose to walk in newness of life. It is possible, moment by moment, one day at a time. We have already received the power.

Our Heavenly Father, thank You that Your mercy still lingers and Your Holy Spirit still calls us to higher ground. We surrender our power of choice to You, keep us from falling we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)