Reading Pauline revelation about the new creation and our new status in Christ, I'm marvelled at the wonders of grace. Somehow, Paul seems to have a deeper understanding about our new life in Christ than other apostles, at least, judging from his writings.
What he said in the opening text remains a mystery that religion cannot unravel. He said that we are dead to sin.
In fact, reading that chapter downwards, he said, "Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? for we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives"(Rom 6:3-4 NLT).
This is profound. Flesh and blood cannot understand this because it was revealed to Paul by the Spirit.
Surprisingly, the same Paul who told us that we are dead to sin further said we should not let sin rule over us.
If you read the previous scriptures cited and take it just as it is, you may be tempted to conclude that it is impossible for a believer to sin or live in it.
This is because Paul presented the matter as though it is impossible because we are dead to it. If you understand it that way, you'll have a hard time understanding his admonition: "DO NOT LET SIN CONTROL THE WAY YOU LIVE; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God"(Rom6:12.NLT).
How do we reconcile these scriptures all in the same chapter written to believers?
As I've said in previous teachings, the position of a believer in Christ is a perfect one that doesn't require any effort or addition other than believing in what Christ has done on the cross.
The position of a believer in Christ is the work of Christ 100%. Positionally, the believer is dead to sin but not functionally. How and in what ways? There are temptations and sinful allures beckoning on the believer.
No matter how much we confess about our deadness to sin, as long as we live in the body, the temptation to sin will surely come but we need to be conscious of our position as dead men to function in true holiness and righteousness.
At the functional level, that's where we are to take responsibility by not allowing sin rule over us. For a believer, it shouldn't be a struggle because he occupies a position that confer on him the grace to live above sin. All he need to do is to obey the Pauline injunction of "Let not sin control you".
True Gospel places responsibility on you and me not to allow sin rule over us. It is not enough to confess your new status in Christ and all that redemption has conferred on you, it is time to take responsibility and act right consistently as a true reflection of our position.
Do not give Satan a chance to bring you down. Steer clear of people, things and environment that can draw you into sin. Doing these is your responsibility, Christ has done his.
