Friday, June 28, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
Romans 6:1–11

What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (NRSV)

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Reflection

“Say what?” I don’t think of Paul as having a sense of humor, but verse one of Romans 6 asks if we should keep on sinning so that God can keep on dispensing grace in great quantity. Quickly Paul answers his own question, “No!” Having got our attention, he continues his characteristic elaborate theological discourse. The previous chapter has compared his audience (us, that is) to the original sinner, Adam, and now continues to explain how the death of Jesus signifies new life, resurrection, and overcoming sin.

Of course, it’s not that simple. We get baptized into a life with Christ, but that may only signify the opportunity (obligation?) to be watchful for and avoid sin. Elsewhere, Paul will urge his followers to work out their Christian faith in practical ways during their lifetimes, not just wait for a final resurrection.

Let’s think about that. At day’s end, alas, most of us could identify a few ways we have sinned. On our best days, our good works and thoughts might outweigh or compensate for failings. But we can be assured of one overriding promise: God’s grace. That grace, I believe, is multifaceted, representing forgiveness, praise, comfort, and promise. Maybe even a clean slate at resurrection? But certainly we can always be assured of encouragement to journey on with confidence of God’s grace.

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Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the promise of daily “resurrection” from my sin and for your encouragement to press on with gratitude and hope. Amen.

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Written by Rebecca Dixon, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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