under Grace.

"For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." -Romans 6:5

Paul said many times to die to yourself and to let Christ live through you. I remember hearing this for the first time and loving every second of it. I thought, "Man, that life sounds fulfilling!" I have always been up for the idea of, "dying to self and living through Christ." That is just it though, I have always been "up for" the IDEA. I am beginning to understand that when Paul wrote the letters to the different churches and people of the new testament times that he didn't mean for this to be an idea. He was calling for a changed lifestyle. To really let Christ live through us.

Here's the truth, this is about a relationship. It is a different relationship than we could ever have with anyone. Christ died, then he rose again. He's not dead. There was a song at Passion this past weekend that has really stuck with me. The statement in the chorus of the song was this; "My God's not dead, He's surely alive and He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion."

Now, tell me again what relationships you have on earth like this with anyone? Not your mom, dad, sister, cousin, bros or girlfriends! It's amazing. It's not always easy though.

I struggle with the fact that I like the idea of this but don't always live it out. It's a calling each morning, afternoon and night to say God, I died with you on the cross. All of my sin, shame, guiltiness, transgressions and brokenness was nailed to a cross. Then, three days later when Christ rose out of the grave, I was with him again. This time I am considered holy and blameless in God's sight, through Christ. This is not an IDEA, it's truth and I want to celebrate because of it. Though I must try and live it out and not just think about living it out.

We are no longer enslaved by sin. (Romans 6:7) "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions." (Romans 6:12)

This is not Paul yelling at us to be better people. This is not God yelling at us to not sin anymore. It is simply a way to respond with thanks to God for what He has done. He knows what is best for us and He knows that sin is considered death in us. I come back to it again, it is a relationship. God is a dad who knows what is best for His children. He died and rose again all for His glory. His glory is what is best for us and I want to respond with praises and a life that shows the good things our Heavenly Father has said and done and continues to do.

Go, be blameless and holy in God's sight, not worrying about what the world is telling you. Do not let sin way you down. "For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under Grace." (Romans 6:14)