We have been planted together in the likeness of his death… also…resurrection.
-Romans 6:5
Summary of Romans chapter 6:
1. We must not abuse the boundless goodness of God by continuing in sin, under the wicked persuasion that the more we sin the more the grace of God will abound, Romans 6:1.
2. For, having been baptized into Christ, we have professed thereby to be dead to sin, Romans 6:2-4.
3. And to be planted in the likeness of his resurrection, Romans 6:5.
4. For we profess to be crucified with him, to die and rise again from the dead, Romans 6:6-11.
5. We should not, therefore, let sin reign in our bodies, but live to the glory of God, Romans 6:12-14.
6. The Gospel makes no provision for living in sin, any more than the law did; and those who commit sin are the slaves of sin, Romans 6:15-19.
7. The degrading and afflictive service of sin, and its wages eternal death; the blessed effects of the grace of God in the heart, of which eternal life is the fruit, Romans 6:20-23.
Today’s Verse:
This is not to be understood of an implantation of Jews and Gentiles together in One body; nor of an implantation of believers together in a church state; but of an implantation of Christ and his people together;
which is openly done at conversion, in consequence of a secret union with him before; when they are transplanted from a state of nature, and are ingrafted into Christ; have the graces of the Spirit of God implanted in them, and grow up under the dews of grace, and shinings of the sun of righteousness upon them, and bring forth much fruit;
now as these persons, by virtue of their secret union with Christ from eternity, as their head and representative, with whom they were crucified, in whom they died representatively, share in his death, enjoy the benefits of it, and feel its efficacy, and through it become dead to the law, sin, and the world, which is meant by the likeness of his death;
so these same persons shall be also planted in the likeness of his resurrection; that is, they shall share in the benefits, and feel and enjoy the effects of it; not only their bodies will be raised at the last day, as their souls are now regenerated by virtue of it, and in resemblance to it; but their are, and shall be so influenced by his Spirit and grace, which has raised them from death to life, that they shall walk in newness of life; of which baptism is a lively representation, and to which it is a constant obligation.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, This is the day that you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. With gratitude, I thank you for preserving my life for one more day.
With gratitude, I thank you for your ultimate gift of love for me, in the form of your son and the sacrifice of his life on my behalf. Because of this overwhelming gift that I often cannot comprehend, I humbly submit to you.
Teach me your ways that I may rely on your faithfulness. It was you that laid the foundations of the Earth and therefore understands every part of it. I know that you keep the sun in the sky, the stars in place, and have created this Earth for me to inhabit and enjoy. In the name of Jesus, Amen