Tag Archives: Religion

Romans 6- Raised With Christ

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For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Romans 6:5-7

The Apostle Paul continues to teach us what the “New Life in Christ” looks like for Born Again believers. Remember we are buried in Christ death and raised with Christ to walk in the newness of life. Paul continues “For if we have been planted or united together in the likeness of his death” As Paul also says “I have been crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20) When Christ died on the cross for your sins, He took your place, You as a Christian were crucified with Christ. 

As our old self was crucified with Christ, “we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection” Our new self is raised with Christ, we are Born Again in Jesus. As Paul also states “You are a New Creation in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:7) This is what baptism symbolizes, the death of our old self and the resurrection of our new self. We are Born Again in Christ (John 3:3)

So knowing “our old man is crucified with Him (Christ)” this means you are no longer a slave to sin. As Jesus said “If the Son Sets You Free, You are Free Indeed” (John 8:36) We are no longer living in the same sins as a New Creation in Christ, as Paul also states here “we should not serve sin” You are no longer chained to these old sins, you have been set free by The Lord Jesus Christ, you are no longer a slave to sin but to Christ

As The Lord Jesus said “Everyone who sins, is a slave to sin” (John 8:34) The religious leaders told Jesus they were not a slave to anyone, however they were mistaken, everyone is either a slave to sin or a slave to Christ. There is no other option, but in Christ there is freedom and grace. While many feel they are free to live in their sins, its actually destroying their bodies and souls. They are servants of wickedness, liked a dog going back to his vomit (Proverbs 26:11)

For He that is dead is freed from sin (v7) Through the death of your old self, you have been freed in Christ. As the Apostle Paul also says “If we died with Him, We will also live with Him” (2 Timothy 2:11) So I ask you this question, have you been crucified with Christ? Are you still a slave to sin or a servant of Christ? In Jesus we have been set free, raised to walk in the newness of life, be led and filled with the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Romans 6- Baptized in Christ Part 2

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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? 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 6:1-4

Today we are going to continue in Pauls teaching about the meaning of Baptism, if you missed the first part here is the link. Now we are going to dive into why baptism is important and what does it mean for us as Christians. First we went over, baptism is a command by Christ (Matthew 28:19) and Christ was baptized for our example (Matthew 3:13-17) So if Jesus is our Lord (Master) then we are to obey him and get baptized in the Church

So what does Baptism mean? Well lets see what the Apostle Paul teaches us, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “Many of us were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death” So first is the acknowledgement that you are a sinner and Christ died for your sins. As the Apostle Peter states “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38) Repentance is a part of baptism. So the symbol of you being lowered into the water, is a symbol of your old self dying and being buried with Christ 

As the Apostle Paul states “having been buried with Him in baptism” (Colossians 2:12) When you are in Christ, your old self died with Christ. Jesus paid it all for your sins on the cross (Colossians 2:13-14) This is a public profession of your faith, that you have died with Christ and are a New Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

And then you are raised with Christ, as Paul states “just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father” So the symbol of you being raised out of the water during baptism, is symbolic of your new self being raised with Christ from death. As Paul also states “You were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God” (Colossians 2:12)

This is essentially the gospel message being performed , the death, burial , and resurrection of Christ for your salvation. But there is also one last part, as Paul states here “we should also walk in the newness of life” What is this newness of life, its becoming Born Again in Christ (John 3:3) As the Apostle Peter stated “You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) Now some argue when does this happen? This is known as Baptismal Regeneration. 

I’ll just end with the words of the Apostle Paul “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27) Amen!

Romans 6- Baptized in Christ Part 1

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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? 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 6:1-4

If you want to understand the meaning of Baptism in Christianity, this teaching by the Apostle Paul is a great text to learn from. I think it’s surprising but the majority of Christianity has a misunderstanding of Baptism, and I know that seems like a pretentious statement, but if you look at the majority view in Christianity its true. The majority of Christianity today still adhere to Paleo Baptism or better known Infant Baptism. The majority of Christian Churches affirm this position, but why? Is it simply tradition or is it really the understanding of scripture?

I would argue the majority of Churches practice Infant Baptism simply out of tradition, giving no real consideration to the scriptural meaning of Baptism. So what is the purpose of Baptism? Why do we even practice it as the Church? Well The Lord Jesus said “Go therefore make disciples of all the nations , baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) Baptism is a command from our Lord, not only that, Christ was baptized as a model for us to follow (Matthew 3:13-17) So Baptism is a sacrament and a command of the Church to be a Christian

So what is the meaning of Baptism? Lets take a look at the teaching by the Apostle Paul here , first Paul starts talking about Sin and Grace. “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid” So just because we are sinners saved by grace, doesn’t mean we should continue to live in sin. As the Apostle Paul continues “How should we who have died to sin, live any longer in it?” 

Now as you read this text you should start to realize there is an issue then with Infant Baptism. Does an infant have sin? Again the majority of the Church have adopted a teaching by Augustine which is known as “Original Sin”. Now this teaching basically states you were born a sinner therefore if you died an infant you would go to Hell. Now I know this topic has alot to unpack, but to keep it high level, but to believe an innocent infant would go to Hell because they simply were not dunked by their parents, I think is theologically careless. Now again I understand I’m in the minority of opinion here, but I think we need to be honest with that the text really states and not the tradition of men.

The Apostle Peter also states ““Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) So can an infant also repent of their sins they didn’t even know they committed? Also can an infant profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord? (Romans 10:9) I think the obvious answer to these questions are No, so why would we baptise an infant as standard practice of the Church?

Next part of this article , we would examine Paul’s teaching of what the symbolism of Baptism in Christ mean, pray for the Holy Spirit’s edification as we work through these texts in Jesus name Amen!

Romans 5- In Adam and Christ

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Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Romans 5:12-14

The Apostle Paul here, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does a great job tying in the Old Testament with the New Testament. Many people will disregard the Old Testament, however as Paul explains here, you are part of that story. Just as Paul just went into great detail about how we are spiritual Children of Abraham through Christ. Paul also explains how Adam and Moses are relevant to us also, these people are all part of your salvation story, they are not just old stories that you tell in Sunday School class.

The Apostle Paul begins by stating “by one man sin entered into the world” Paul begins with the Creation story, yes this is relevant to every human that exists. While the world wants to tell you, you are a random mistake that evolved from bacteria and monkeys, you are made in the image of God, and came through the line of Adam. Since Adam is our biological father, sin has entered into the world through Adam. The world is under the curse of sin and death (Genesis 3) As Paul goes on to explain “so death passed upon all men” 

Notice Paul says death passed to ALL men, not just some. We have all fallen short of the glory of God, we are all sinners (Romans 3:23)  As Paul states “For All Have Sinned” I emphasize this because in today’s world, even in today’s corrupted Christianity, many believe they are not sinners, many believe they don’t need to repent, therefor many have rejected the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. They trample on his blood believing Christ died in vain. However you are a sinner in need of a savior, just as Adam. Therefore Christ became flesh and died on the cross for your sins. To reject this truth is the ultimate blasphemy.

So what is the result of our sin? As the Apostle Paul states here “Death has reigned from Adam to Moses” As Paul states ‘The Wages of Sin is death” (Romans 6:23) Why did Christ die on the cross, for the atonement of your sins! Why is their death and suffering in the world? Because of your sins, the curse of sin and death brought into the world because rebellion of our actions, a curse that could only be broken by the sinless Son of God

Here is a cool revelation from the Holy Spirit “Who (Adam) is the figure of Him (Christ) to come” Adam was a shadow of Christ to come, Paul will explain this in more detail as we continue in Romans, but by one man (Adam) Paul states “ Since death came through a man (Adam). The resurrection of the dead come through a Man (Christ) , For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:21-22) Amen!

Romans 5- Children of God

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Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:9-11

There is a false teaching that everyone is a “Child of God” while this is a great thought, this is not Biblical. As the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tell us “we were enemies of God” , the Apostle Paul also says “He put to death their hostility” (Ephesians 2:16) Hostility to what? To God, before you became saved, you hated God, you hated his holy word, you hated his only begotten Son, you hated the Holy Spirit, because you were carnally minded, in love with the world and the flesh

These two natures don’t coincide, this is why as an “Enemy of God” you can’t be a Child of God. To tell the unsaved they are a Child of God, is an insult to our Heavenly Father, who blasphemes his name on a daily basis. So why do we care about the unsaved? Because we were all made in the “Image of God” (Genesis 1:27) and God wants everyone to become saved (1 Timothy 2:4) So how do we become a Child of God? As Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3)

It’s only through Jesus Christ, and his sacrifice on the cross, that we can become Children of God. As the Apostle Paul teaches us here “being now justified by His (Christ) blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him (Christ)” Jesus paid the penalty for your sins and justified you before God the Father. The only reason we can be in the presence of God is because of Christ and His holy works on the cross.

So what else did the cross do for us? “We were reconciled to God by the death of His Son (Jesus)” We were reconciled back to God through Jesus Christ, we were not always Children of God but enemies, but Christs death on the cross reconciled us. This is why Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation (John 14:6) Without Christ you can never be reconciled back to God, you can never be justified for your sins, you can never be saved from the wrath that is to come for your sins.

Consider what the Apostle Paul says here “4But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

6And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.” (Galatians 4:4-7) Through Christ, you have been reconciled, you have been redeemed, you have become Born Again, and adopted as Children of God through our Lord Jesus Christ and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Romans 5- God Demonstrated His Love

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For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

You have heard the old expression “You find out who your friends are” when times get tough in life, who is there for you? Most times you find out the majority of people are not, they are called “fairweather friends” They will be there for you, when things are good or fun. But once things get real, when maybe you are in need, most abandon you. 

Now lets take this one step even further, how many people would die for you? How many people would lay down their life to save yours? If your being honest, there are probably almost none. Hopefully you are blessed with a spouse or family, but hardly anyone is going to die for you, let alone help you in a time of need.

So you might be asking, why am I depressing you with these realities? Because I want you to try and grasp, that Jesus Christ , the Living Son of God, became flesh and literally died for your sins. As the Apostle Paul states “Christ died for the ungodly” Jesus laid down his life for your soul, He did want nobody else would do, but He did what nobody else could do. Nobody else could take your place on that cross except Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God

Are you starting to understand the deep love and relationship Christ has for you? Do you understand the implications of what Christ has done for you on the cross?  As Paul states “He (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us so become the righteousness of God in Him (Christ)” (2 Corinthians 5:8) Jesus the sinless Lamb of God, paid the penalty for our sins, and died to declare us righteous before The Father. Can we comprehend this? Can we even grasp the love God has demonstrated towards you?

The Apostle Paul says “God has demonstrated His love towards us, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Think about that, while we were still enemies of God, while you were still blaspheming His name, while you were still living in complete rebellion, Christ took on flesh and died for you anyway. There is no deeper love than what was demonstrated at the cross. 

I will end with the words of The Lord Jesus Christ himself “Greater Love Has No One Than This, Than To Lay Down Ones Life For His Friends” (John 15:13) You have a real friend in Jesus, You have a Savior in Jesus, You have salvation in Jesus, The Son of God who became flesh to lay down his life for you, Gods demonstrated love, Amen

Romans 5- Peace of God

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Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:1-5

How can we have peace in this chaotic world today?Many people look for inner peace through many mediums, however nobody ever seems to find it, why? Because most people don’t realize they are at war with God. The main reason most people can’t find peace in their soul, is because they are an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

Jesus Christ, who is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) is the only way (John 14:6) and the only one who can give you true peace within your soul. Why? Lets consider what the Apostle Paul says here “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” We are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and our sin not only separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) but our sin also makes us an enemy of God (James 4:4)

This is why Jesus Christ became flesh and died on the cross for our sins (John 1:14, 1 Corinthians 15:3-5) so we can be justified before God the Father. Christ took our place on the cross, Jesus paid our debt of our sins, so we can be reconciled back to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18) Because we have been brought back into relationship with God, our soul now has peace beyond all human understanding (Philippians 4:7)

We have access to God by faith into this grace, the Apostle Paul talked alot about faith in the first several chapters of Romans, its by grace through faith you have been saved (Ephesians 2:8) It’s Christ who gives you this peace, because Christ is the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5) Not only do we have peace, but through Christ we now also have hope. As the Apostle Paul says here “Rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God”

Now does this mean your life will be perfect, does this mean you won’t have any problems or issues as a Christian? No, but as Paul says here “We glory in tribulations or sufferings , knowing that our  tribulations or sufferings  produces patience, And patience or perseverance , character or experience, and character or experience produces hope” This is the sanctification process as a Born Again Christian. The Holy Spirit is working in us to grow and conform us more like Christ.

Lets end with the words of the Apostle Paul here “The love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit given to us” The Holy Spirit has been poured upon you as a true disciple of Christ. God has transformed your heart and mind, has given you the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding, repent and put your faith in The Lord of Glory and Peace, Amen!

Romans 4- Saved By Faith

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Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:23-25

As scripture says “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6, Galatians 3:6) How was Abraham saved? He was saved by faith in Christ , not by his own works. And we are saved the same way, as the Apostle Paul says here “it was not written for his (Abraham) sake alone” If you put your faith in The Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and His works on the cross, it will be credited as righteousness for you also. 

As Paul says “But for us also, it shall be imputed/credited/counted as righteousness” Our faith should be the same as Abraham, we trust and obey The Lord for salvation. As the author of Hebrews stated “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he is going” (Hebrews 11:8) Abraham was obedient to his calling by God, even when he didn’t fully understand Gods plan. He put his faith and trust in The Lord for salvation.

We need to do the same thing,  as the Apostle Paul says “If We believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead” Our salvation comes from the works of Christ on the cross, as Paul also says “know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16) Have faith Christ died for your sins on the cross, have faith rose on the 3rd day, defeating sin and death forever. Have faith you are justified before God because of Christ work on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:3-5)

Christ was delivered over for our offenses/trespasses/sins , as the prophet Isaiah foretold “ He (Christ) was pierced for our transgressions, He (Christ) was crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5) Christ paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, why? As the Apostle Paul explains “was raised again for our justification” As the author of Hebrews also states “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28)

How are you saved then? For by grace you have been saved, through faith and not of yourselves,  it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8) Amen!

Romans 4- Seed of Abraham

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For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Romans 4:13-15

So what is the promise and how do we obtain it? The Apostle Paul spends alot of time speaking about Abraham and how this relates to our salvation. The Promise was initially spoken to Abrham as scripture says “The promises were spoken to Abraham and His seed” (Galatians 3:16) and “I (God) will make You (Abraham) a great nation and I will bless you (Abraham) (Genesis 12:1-3) 

The promise made to Abraham that through His seed (Christ), God will make a great nation, multiply it as numerous as the stars and the grains of sand (Genesis 22:17-18) The Promise that all the nations (the entire world) would be blessed through Abraham seed (Genesis 12:3) And as the Apostle Paul says here “the heir of the world” not just Israel. 

The Apostle Paul also makes clear this Promise was not fulfilled through The Law, but through the righteousness of faith. As the Apostle Paul says “The Letter (Law) Kills, but The Spirit brings Life” (2 Corinthians 3:6) Salvation never came through The Law, it actually brings death. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8) The Promise given to Abraham and his seed was by faith and not by any works, otherwise it would void the righteousness of faith

Who is the seed of Abraham? The Apostle Paul interprets this prophecy for us , “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ” (Galatians 3:16) The seed is Christ , who came through Israel, God  incarnate through the virgin, to die for our sins and rise again on the 3rd day. Salvation comes through Christ alone, the promise seed of the entire world

This Promise is only obtained by faith in Christ. As Paul says “If those who are of The Law are heirs, faith has been made void, The Promise made no effect” If salvation was able to be obtained by works or “Keeping The Law”, then faith would be made void and the promise of salvation would be broken. It’s only by the works of Christ on the cross, that salvation made be possible, its only by faith in Christ that you can receive The Promise

Because The Law brings wrath, but as the Apostle Paul also says “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13) Amen!

Romans 4- Saved By Faith

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But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 4:5-8

While faith without works is dead faith, we can’t do anything to save ourselves. The fact that any of us are saved at all is because of God’s grace and mercy. As the Apostle Paul said “He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we have done, but according to His mercy , through the washing of the new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) Any works that we do produce is because of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. As Paul says here “But believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness” Faith in Christ is what saves you, not by any of our own works, its all because of the grace of God

The Apostle Paul used Abraham alot as a great example as being saved by faith, and that obedience being accredited as righteousness. Now he quotes King David as an example also of being saved by faith. David says “Blessed are those whose iniquities/transgressions/lawless deeds are forgiven, who sins are covered” (v7, Psalm 32:1-2) What an amazing thought, that God is willing to forgive our sins, that Jesus Christ became flesh and took our place on the cross. The sacrifice of Christ covered our sins, that we are justified before the Father because of Christ, that Christ has given us the Holy Spirit to live inside of us

King David also says “Blessed is the man who The Lord shall not impute sin or count sin against us or has cleared us of sin” (v8, Psalm 32:2) What have you done to have your sins forgiven, to have your sins erased? Nothing, you have no power to save yourself, its by the grace of God, through faith in Christ, that you are saved (Ephesians 2:8) As the Apostle Paul said “For He made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (Christ) (2 Corinthians 5:21)

This reminds me of the parable Jesus told about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, The Pharisee prayed “Thank God I’m not a sinner like other people, including this tax collector” I do all these works to justify I’m righteous. The tax collector said “God have mercy on me , a sinner”  Who do you think was justified before God? Jesus said it was the tax collector because they were humbled with repentance. (Luke 18:9-14)

King David had committed great sins in his life, however God declared him righteous because of his faith and repentance. Salvation can never be earned, its only by faith in the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, trust in Him and not yourself, don’t be deceived like the Pharisee, have faith like Abraham, like David, like the Tax Collector, Amen!