My family and I are binge watchers of programs. Hawaii 5-0 is one of them and there is a character, Adam, who has been transformed over the seasons from a member of Japanese mob family to a contributing member of the 5-0 team. His movement from the family happened based on an instant decision, but the transformation took time. With the passage I read this morning this analogy came to mind.
“6We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” – Romans 6:6 (ESV)
Once we have accepted Christ as our personal savior, we are afforded to no longer be slaves to sin. We are still sinners, however that sin does not rule our lives. We have a newness with our relationship with Christ and therefore are under his grace.
“14For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” – Romans 6:14 (ESV)
The Hawaii 5-0 character was no longer ruled by his old life in the mob family. The consequences to being part of the mob family were still there, however he had a newness to live to once he decided to turn away. He is under a new rule, one of rightness to all.
We are in a unique position in that once we have accepted Christ as our personal savior, we are no longer bound to sin. We have a new life and our old self is dead in God’s eyes. We are still going to sin, however our daily routine should be now to glorify God and therefor the sin is not ruling our lives. Will sin, yes all day, every day. The difference is that we are not actively taking opportunities to sin, we are actively looking for opportunities to live out our new relationship with Christ.
Have you taken the opportunity become a new person in Christ? Are you under the rule of sin or the rule of grace? Do you know that your old self has died?
Trevor's Thoughts 