THE DETERMINED OBJECTIVE OF SALVATION We will resume our introductory summation of the book of Romans with chapter six. Once again, I feel this is necessary in order to set the stage for the exposition of the objective of God's great salvation. -- Tomorrow:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." (Romans 8:28-34, NKJV)
Devotion 4 of 33
BURIED INTO DEATH
Those who were once dead in sin, are buried by baptism into Christ's death. In that obedience they are "buried with him by baptism into death" – death WITH Christ, and death TO sin. Ordinarily, men die and then they are buried. In this case, they are buried, and then they die. They are "buried with Him by baptism INTO death" (Rom 6:4).
Their faith moves them to reckon, or reason, upon the reality of this experience. Those in Christ, because of their identity with Him, are "dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God." Consequently, they are to no longer yield their members as instruments of unrighteousness. Rather, their capabilities are to be yielded to God Himself. In Christ there is no room for willing involvement in sin, the wages of which is always "death" (Rom 6:1-23).
INNER WARFARE
Faith has spawned a war within the believers. The remnants of the old nature remain in them, being indissolubly tied to their bodies. Those remnants spew forth imaginations into the thought streams of the believer, causing great frustration. Faith has made sin repulsive in all of its forms. It produces a strong longing for Divine fellowship, and enables us TO recognize the vanity of this world and everything associated with it.
The person who is justified does not want to contend with sin, particularly in himself. Even though weaponry is provided whereby imaginations and contradicting thoughts can be cast down (2 Cor 10:3-5), deliverance from "the body of this death" is longed for (7:1-25).
NO CONDEMNATION
The Law does not allow for the unwanted thoughts with which the believer contends. Even though they are not desired, the Law soundly condemns the individual in whom they are found – wanted or not. The Law made no provision for being drawn away by ones own lusts. Such a drawing broke the commandment, "Thou shalt not covet." Notwithstanding this circumstance, we have been delivered from the Law in its condemning capacity (7:4).
Within the context of fierce inner warfare, the Spirit fairly shouts to us: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus." They are not condemned for having to contend with sin, for it is against their will. Their righteousness is not found in their personal accomplishments, but in their faith (8:1-4).
Lest we imagine this allows for carnal, or fleshly, mindedness, we are reminded that death ALWAYS follows carnality. The mind that is not spiritual fights against God, and consequently God will fight against it (8:5-11).
GIVEN THE HOLY SPIRIT
To assist us in the good fight of faith and the casting down of the expressions of the "old man," God has given us the Holy Spirit. Faithfully He leads us through our faith to certain triumph over the flesh, thereby preparing us for glory.
The Holy Spirit testifies to us of our sonship, bearing witness with our spirits that "we are the children of God" (8:12-17). It is, praise God, an effective witness.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for shedding light on the grievous experiences associated with the good fight of faith.