Newness of Life

Daily Reading: Romans 6

Scripture Focus: 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 6.4)

Devotional Thought: I remember the day when I came to know the Lord, when I was saved. I was 14 years old and found myself kneeling at the altar in the Pioneer, OH, Church of the Nazarene. How wonderful it was to have my sins forgiven, the guilt gone! What I could not begin to comprehend at that moment, was how much my life had just changed. I began walking, as Paul wrote, "in newness of life."

I had a whole new set of friends. My language began to change (for even 14 year old boys know how to curse!). I had new values. I had love in my heart. These things and many others began to show and grow in my life. Soon, I was baptized to confess to all the world that I was a follower of Jesus Christ

Paul wrote that for us to have "newness of life" two things are required...

• Jesus Christ had to die and rise again. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins, and hence no new life. But, the only way that death can lead to new life is for there to be a resurrection. Christ was the firstfruits of the resurrection, and we who believe in him enter into that life with him.

• But also, we have to die. In order to have a new identity, the old one has to go away. I was adopted when I was 9 years old. Scott Wortman died. Scott Wade came to life. I had a new identity. Baptism symbolizes the spiritual change that comes to us. Going under the water, we are dead. Rising again, we live a new life.

Are you walking in that new identity today?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying for my sins and for rising again for my life. Help me, O Lord, to honor you as I walk in newness of life. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 18.46-50

46 The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation— 47 the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me, 48 who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence.

49 For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name. 50 Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.