New life in Christ

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, - Romans 6.4-5

Paul uses a wonderful illustration to picture what salvation is all about. He speaks of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and then us that to picture the reality of the changes in the believer at salvation.

When we were baptised in the Holy Spirit we were baptised into His death. In others words our old life of sin died with Jesus on the cross. It was buried. It was put away.

And because our old life died with Christ we are called to live in a newness of life. The Bible makes it clear that once we are in Christ we do change. There is going to be a difference. 2 Corinthians 5.17 reminds us that if anyone is Christ he is a new creature. Old things pass away and all things become new. There is a new life and the new life is obvious in our lifestyle and behaviour. We change when we are saved.

Not only that but we enjoy the blessings of a new life. Every time I read this verse I can’t help but remember the wonderful song written by John Peterson that describes out new life in Christ. I don’t hear it much any more  I think it only appeared in a couple of hymnals. That’s too bad because it is a wonderful uplifting tune to a great truth.

New Life in Christ abundant and free!

What glories shine, what joys are mine,

What wondrous blessings I see!

My past with its sin, the searching and strife,

Forever gone -- There's a bright new dawn!

For in Christ I have found new life.

Praise God for my new life in Christ. May I walk in its newness and revel in its blessings.