NEWNESS OF LIFE

"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. 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" (Rom 6:4-6)

Devotion 8 of 11

NEWNESS OF LIFE

When we are baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27), we begin a walk in the newness of life. The Spirit stirs our memory with a recollection of our baptism. "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" (Rom 6:4). The language of this verse is significant, and must not be viewed casually. I have often heard this verse quoted like this, "raised to walk in newness of life." However, that is not what it says. Carefully note how the Spirit has phrased this revolutionary instruction. Just like Jesus was "raised from the dead by the glory of the Father" -- just that way, we "should walk in newness of life." Other versions state the case similarly. "We too may live a new life" (NIV, TEV). "We might set our feet upon a new path of life" (NEB). "We too might walk in newness of life" (NASB).

Activity is the point

The point of comparison is in post-resurrection activity, not in the resurrection itself. Jesus was raised from the dead by the "glory of the Father." He was raised to a new life, a new ministry, new activity, and a new position and location. He is now seated in heaven, at the right hand of God. His ACTIVITY is now the point, for we are being saved "by His life" (Rom. 5:10). He is able to "to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25). This is what was involved in Him being raised from the dead "by the glory of the Father." He is now carrying out the will of the Father. He is reigning (1 Cor 15:25). He is interceding (Rom 8:34;Heb 7:25). He is speaking (Heb 12:25). He is expecting the subjugation of His enemies (Heb 10:13). These are all activities related to His resurrection life.

Jesus did not do these things before coming into the world. His present reign, for instance, is in order to give eternal life to those His Father has given to Him (John 17:2). This differs significantly from His Sovereignty before the foundation of the world.

Likewise, the significance of our spiritual resurrection is found in the life that follows it. This is "newness of life," and without it, there is absolutely no acceptance with God. He has rejected the flesh, determining that it will not enter His kingdom, nor can those living after the flesh please Him. Observe that the text says "even so we also should WALK IN newness of life" (KJV); "we too might WALK IN newness of life" (RSV); "we too may LIVE a new life" (NIV)! The point is not gaining access to the new life, but LIVING the new life.

The only personal confirmation you have of your identity with Christ is your life with Him. He is living and active! If He were not active, we would not know He was alive. His activity is the proof of the Life by which we are saved. YOUR activity is the proof of your new life! Again, your activity is not the cause of your life, but the evidence of it. The faith life is appropriately termed a "walk." We walk by faith and in the Spirit.

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You, in Jesus name, for new life in which I can walk and experience Your fellowship.

-- TOMORROW: JOY UNSPEAKABLE --