Romans 6:8-11
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Christians are often puzzled about why they should have to obey God if Christ has already saved them. Then, if they are convinced that they should obey, they wonder how they can motivate themselves in the right way. These verses in Romans answer those questions for us.
Firstly, they tell us that when we believe in Jesus, we come into a glorious union with him. Therefore, he died, and we died with him and so there can be no punishment for our sin because Jesus has already received it for us. Jesus rose from death and because of our union with him, we rise to a new life with him. Our life now is a sharing of his resurrection life.
Secondly, we are told in verse 11 to think about this status that we have before God; dead to sin with Jesus and alive, raised with Jesus. We are told to think about this because we can easily disregard it and start asking the questions above. Once you understand the nature of the life you have with Jesus, then it is clear why you are to obey. That is, it makes ludicrous sense for anyone in union with Jesus, raised with Jesus, to live in any other way. What motivates us is then the delight in him and the status he has given to us.
David Johnston
