Newness of Life
Tuesday’s Verse:
From Romans 6:4 ESV
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.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised….” Let’s back up just for a moment, because in Lutheran circles we are quite familiar with the concept of the “Great Exchange.” Christ took our sin upon Himself and gave us His righteousness in return. What Paul is doing here is expanding on that idea by speaking in Baptismal terms. You didn’t simply experience Easter; you are Easter.
Your “Old Adam,” the part of you that died that clung to sin and guilt and the fear of death, was placed in that tomb when Christ was buried. You were “buried” with Him in the waters of Baptism. Close the tomb door on that old life.
And if you’ve paid attention, Paul doesn’t stop at the grave either. The same power that broke the silence of Holy Saturday and raised Jesus from the dead extends down into the grave of your life today.
“This newness of life” is not something we hope to experience one day in heaven. This is the present tense. Because Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, you are no longer a victim of your mistakes, your anxiety, or your Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Because Christ is risen, you are risen. That “newness” of life means that every day when you wake up, you have ALREADY been placed on the “other side” of that grave. That newness means you are free to love others, serve others, and even screw up others without fear of death because your life is hidden with Christ in God.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank You that through the gift of Holy Baptism You have united us to the death and resurrection of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. As we celebrate this Easter season, grant that we would leave our sins in the tomb and walk in the new life You have given us. When we feel downcast or discouraged, remind us of who we are: redeemed children of God. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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