“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4
We sometimes forget that when we were baptized into Christ Jesus, we were joined to Christ in His death and in His resurrection so that His death for the sins of the world might be our death and that His resurrection from the dead on the third day might also be our resurrection from spiritual death to a new spiritual life lived for Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 5:15).
Grant that I continue in the mercy and forgiveness given to me at my baptism, O Christ, and, by daily contrition and repentance, put off my old sinful nature with all its sins and desires and put on the new nature created in me by Your Holy Spirit, that I may live for You and do Your will all my days. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2
Many assume that, since salvation is by grace alone, they may continue living in their old, sinful ways. The Bible’s answer is clear: “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” True Christians trust in Christ alone for salvation, but then, as a fruit of genuine faith in Christ, seek to amend their sinful ways and live “unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:15). Those who wilfully continue in sin forget that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).
O sanctifying Spirit, grant me true faith — faith which trusts in Christ alone for forgiveness and life and then produces the fruits of a God-pleasing life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21
The law reveals our utter sinfulness and condemns us all, but Christ’s atoning sacrifice covers all our sins. So, as sin reigned over all of us, condemning us to eternal death, God’s grace and mercy in Christ Jesus (for the sake of Christ’s death on the cross) is extended to all of us that it might reign by imputing to us righteousness through faith in Christ and giving to all who believe forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
I thank You, O Christ, for atoning for all my sins that I might be pardoned and forgiven through faith in Your name and receive life everlasting. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17
Adam’s sin brought the reign of death over all mankind, for all are sinners. But those who receive God’s grace and imputed righteousness through faith in Christ Jesus will reign in life because of Christ’s obedience to God’s law in our stead and His innocent sufferings and death for the sins of all.
Merciful Father, though I was born into this world dead in sin through Adam’s fall, grant me never-ending life through faith in Christ Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for the sins of all. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:8-9
Since God loved us and sent His Son to die for us even while we were still living in disobedience and sin, certainly He will save us from His wrath and punishment and give us eternal life with Him in heaven now that we are justified and counted righteous through faith in Christ’s shed blood.
Thank You, O loving God, for sending Your Son to die for us and for granting us salvation through faith in Christ’s shed blood. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
