Gospel Transformation to the Glory of God

Romans 6:1–4 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 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.

Do believers experience noticeable changes in behavior because of the spiritual life gifted to them by God through the gospel? In the face of growing opposition to biblical truth and righteousness in our world, what hope is there that followers of Jesus will stay the course?

Paul proclaims in Romans chapter 5 that followers of Jesus overcome the consequences of sin by gospel grace. No matter how sinful one is, the forgiving grace of God overpowers sin through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In response to this point, Paul anticipates the wrong conclusion. Some may falsely conclude that if grace increases to overcome sinfulness, then people should sin even more to increase the grace of God to overwhelm it. Paul adamantly denies this logic. Gospel grace will not cause sin to increase because gospel grace radically changes the people God saves.

Dying to sin means there is a cessation to an old way of life, resulting in a new way of life. This new way of life transforms the hearts and lives of God’s New Covenant people. Through gospel grace, the children of God have a new life, new resources, and consequently, new direction through Jesus Christ. Gospel life changes sinful and selfish people to become people who are markedly God-glorifying, Christ-centered, and Holy Spirit-empowered children of God.

Such a glorious transforming work is nothing people can do on their own. No amount of self-determination will make a discernible difference. But all those granted new lives in Christ, who gladly surrender themselves to Jesus, will consistently walk in a new way of life that brings glory to our Savior and the heavenly Father who grants life through Him. What a wonderful and inspiring truth!

Brothers and sisters in Christ, keep your focus on Jesus and His gospel promises. You now have gospel life and a new direction to the glory of our Father in heaven. Come what may, God will keep you faithful!