Read Romans 6:1-5
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (v. 4).
It is of deep concern that many professed Christians give little or no evidence of a new life in Christ. Water baptism is a beautiful thing when practiced according to Scripture. It is the outward testimony of an inward work.
In a recent baptismal service, a husband, wife, and teen-age son gave clear testimony of how salvation had come to their family, one member at a time. The newness of life that they could see in other members of the family gave them a desire to enjoy the same in their lives.
It should not be overlooked that there is a death involved in this baptism. It is a death to sin. In the context of our scripture, the question is asked: “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (v. 2). Paul’s clear answer is that Christians do not so live. Instead he exhorts us to walk “in newness of life.” Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes that “the translation to ‘walk in newness of life’ carries with it the day-by-day living in the ordinary routines of life.” (BAM)
What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart! . . .
And my sins which were many are all washed away. — Rufus H. McDaniel
A born again experience still brings newness of life!
This devotional is the Thursday, July 30, 2015 entry of Opening the Word.
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