Of those who bear the name “Christian” there have been false professors who have used the grace of God as a license to sin. However, those truly saved are free by grace to obey the Lord. Paul asks the question, “Shall we continue to sin that grace may abound?”
Through baptism into Christ, the saints are buried into His death and take on the properties of that death. While the baptism described here is in reference to the Christian sacrament, it does not so much refer to water but rather the spiritual blessing obtained by the saints through that sacrament. The sign and seal of baptism represent purification and ingrafting and further signifies the putting away of the old self. The old self or sinful nature is put to death and buried in the death and burial of our Lord.
The believer enters newness of life in the resurrected life of Jesus Christ. The apostle refers to newness of life now rather than a future state of glory. Those who have died to sin participate now in the new resurrected life becoming new creations in Christ. After the fall of Adam man was enslaved to sin, but through Christ the elect were redeemed and made able to turn from the old body of sin. Although the saints continue to sin in this life they are no longer to live as slaves to the old nature.
Those that know something of victory against sin are encouraged to press on in the struggle against sin; they are to consider themselves dead to sin. This careful consideration is the first step in growing closer to God.
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Nathan Eshelman holds a Master of Divinity degree from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. He serves as clerk of the Pacific Coast Presbytery (RPCNA),...
