Raised Up! (part 6 of 6)

The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are very significant, being at the core of the Gospel of Jesus. ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4) However, that is not to be the end of the focus. Just as the death of Jesus was not the end -- He being raised to life from the tomb -- we should recognize the great significance associated with our own life.

Writing to the church at Rome Paul stated…
“We know that CHRIST BEING RAISED FROM THE DEAD WILL NEVER DIE AGAIN; death no longer has dominion over him.” ( Romans 6:9 ESV)

Jesus’ resurrection revealed His power over the grip of death. He was raised up never to die again. He rose to LIVE and LIVE He does! Because He LIVES so can we ( John 14:19), but how we LIVE is to be seriously considered.

Earlier in this same chapter of Romans, Paul noted a symbolic parallelism for us relating to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. He wrote…

“(3) Do you not know that ALL OF US WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST JESUS WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH? (4) We were BURIED therefore WITH HIM BY BAPTISM INTO DEATH, in order that, just AS CHRIST WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD by the glory of the Father, WE TOO MIGHT WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE. ( Romans 6:3-4 ESV)

The water of baptism is like a burial as we are immersed under the water, dying to sin and to self (i.e. Romans 6:6), and being raised up ready to walk in a NEW LIFE. Being baptized puts us in Christ ( Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12), bringing us into the realm of forgiveness from our sins ( Acts 2:38) and the sphere of salvation. ( 1 Peter 3:20-21) However, that doesn’t mean we sit back in the glow of our salvation in Him. We are to LIVE, walking on in the NEW LIFE in Christ. Being brought under the power of His love, we no longer LIVE for ourselves, but rather for Him who died and was raised again. ( 2 Corinthians 5:14-15) That is to mark our purpose for living.

Remember Jesus’ encouragement regarding His purpose in coming.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT ABUNDANTLY.” ( John 10:10 ESV)

In Jesus is found not just life, but abundant life. It is in Him that we find and experience the truest life possible. And that LIVING goes even beyond this realm.

Jesus also encouraged…
“(39) And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. (40) For this is THE WILL OF MY FATHER, that EVERYONE WHO LOOKS ON THE SON AND BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD HAVE ETERNAL LIFE, AND I WILL RAISE HIM UP ON THE LAST DAY.” ( John 6:39-40 ESV)

Let us therefore consider ourselves “dead to sin and ALIVE TO GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.” ( Romans 6:11) There are works we were created in Christ Jesus to walk in. ( Ephesians 2:10) Let us seek and do them to His glory and praise. Like Paul, may our life be so centered in Jesus that whether we are facing life or death, it is done for Him. ( Romans 14:7-8) LIVING our life for Jesus now we have the hope of ultimately being raised up to die no more! May our life be lived in LIVING praise to Him!

Have a great day RAISED TO PRAISE THROUGH ETERNAL DAYS!
Carl

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