We Who are Alive to God (2)
[Romans 6:1-11]
Romans 6:11 states: "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." We have already meditated on the Word of God, particularly focusing on verses 4-5, under the title "We Who are Alive to God (1)." Through the glory (power, ability) of God the Father, just as Christ was raised from among the spiritually dead, we who were spiritually dead have been made alive, becoming new individuals and obtaining new life (eternal life). Therefore, we must conduct ourselves in accordance with our new identity, living as new people in the new life we have received (v. 4). In other words, we are to live as new beings, just as Jesus did, dwelling in the light (1 Jn. 1:7). Today, under the title “We Who are Alive to God (2),” let us delve into the second aspect of being alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Resurrection is predicated on death. When Christ Jesus died on the cross, our old self was crucified with Him. The purpose was for the body of our sin to die, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. Romans 6:6 states: "We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." As our old self was crucified with Jesus, we also believe that, just as Jesus rose from death, we too will live anew with Him. Romans 6:8 affirms: "Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." Our understanding comes through faith. In other words, we come to know through faith. In the words of Romans 6:9 (Modern Korean Bible): "We know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him."
We know that "by faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command" (Heb. 11:3). In other words, we understand that "by faith" everything in this world was created by God's word (v. 3, Modern Korean Bible). After Jesus performed the miracle of feeding 5,000 men with two fish and five barley loaves, He said these words: "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me" (Jn. 6:53-57). Upon hearing these words, many disciples found them difficult to understand and said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" (v. 60, Modern Korean Bible). As a result, "From this time, many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him" (v. 66, Modern Korean Bible). The profound words of the Lord can only be understood through faith. When Jesus asked the twelve disciples, "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Simon Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God" (vv. 68-69, Modern Korean Bible). Simon Peter believed and knew that the Lord is the Holy One of God (v. 69). In the same way, we have come to believe and know the truth that the Lord is the Holy One of God (v. 69, Modern Korean Bible).
We have died together with Christ, and likewise, we have been resurrected (Rom. 6:8). How can we, who lived about 2,000 years ago, die together with Jesus Christ, who was crucified on the cross, and also be resurrected (live together) with Him? This difficult concept cannot be understood without the gift of faith given by God (cf. Eph. 2:8). For us who believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, eternal life is already present. John 3:36 (Modern Korean Bible) says, "Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life." John 5:24 (Modern Korean Bible) states, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."
Romans 6:11 (Modern Korean Bible): "So, consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus." This verse is referring to the preceding verse in verse 10, which states: "The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God" (Modern Korean Bible). Christ's death was a one-time sacrifice for our sins, and in living for God, He demonstrated victory over sin and death. He had no sin but chose to die on the cross for us, paying the price for our sins (v. 23, Modern Korean Bible). Therefore, we are called to consider ourselves "dead to sin" (v. 11). This means that through Christ's sacrifice, we are freed from the penalty of sin, which is death. Not only that, but we are also called to see ourselves as "alive to God in Christ Jesus" (v. 11). This transformation is made possible by the glory of God (His power), as mentioned in verse 8. The purpose of this transformation is to enable us to live a new life, an eternal life (v. 4). We have become dead to sin through the redemptive work of Christ, and simultaneously, we are alive to God in Christ Jesus. This transformation is not just a legal status but involves living in a way that honors and serves God. We are called to live in a manner that reflects our new identity in Christ, expressing our love for God and others (Mt. 22:37, 39).