Living in Newness

1. The Foundation

The central theme of this song encapsulates the transformative journey from sin to righteousness, focusing foremost on Romans 6:1-4:

*"Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."*

The power of these verses lies in their depiction of the believer's identity in Christ—a profound, new identity characterized by death to sin and resurrection to righteousness. As we delve, consider the transformation this involves, a transformation grounded in the realities of spiritual warfare and the living Word of God.

2. The Historical & Biblical Context

To comprehend the full import of Paul’s words in Romans, we must place ourselves in the first-century Roman world. The Apostle Paul, a deeply educated and devout Jew turned ardent follower of Christ, penned these words to believers in Rome—a diverse community shaped by Gentiles and Jews. They were navigating the complex aftermath of Christ’s redemptive work, struggling to understand what a life of grace and righteousness should resemble.

The Roman believers, like many of us today, grappled with the tendency to continue in sinful patterns, misunderstanding grace as a license for immorality. Paul’s message was revolutionary: the grace we receive through Christ brings not only justification but transformation, calling for a decisive end to sin and a commitment to newness of life.

3. Word Study (Hebrew/Greek)

A critical word in this passage is "baptized." The Greek term here is "baptizō" (βαπτίζω), which implies more than a simple ritual immersion. It signifies complete identification and union with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. This immersive participation means the old self is no more; a new identity defines us—a truth the song captures repeatedly.

Another essential term is "newness" regarding our “new life.” The Greek word is “kainotes” (καινότης), illustrating life in a fresh, unprecedented form. This is not merely an improvement or betterment of our old life, but a life fundamentally different—a life in direct communion with God through the Holy Spirit.

4. Theological Exposition

Each stanza of the song reiterates foundational truths found in scripture. The opening line poses a rhetorical question directly from Romans 6, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" This mirrors Paul’s fierce repudiation of living in sin. In confronting this, Paul addresses the human tendency to abuse grace—a warning equally urgent today.

The declaration, "We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” unveils spiritual transformation. Our baptism symbolizes not just an outward declaration but an inward reality where the dominion of sin is broken. Scripture affirms this: "For sin shall no longer be your master" (Romans 6:14).

The song repeatedly echoes Paul’s powerful imagery of burial and resurrection. The resurrection is central not only to Christ but to our identity. As Romans 6:8-9 states, "Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." Our new life is sustained by the "glory of the Father," an invitation to walk daily in assurance of His power and presence.

5. Practical Application: How to Walk This Out

Understanding our identity in Christ mandates a radical reorientation of life. Here are steps grounded in biblical wisdom:

1. Recognize Your Position: Constantly remind yourself of your identification with Christ’s death and resurrection. Affirm your new life by proclaiming: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).

2. Renew Your Mind: Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Engage daily in God's Word, allowing it to shape your thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

3. Reject the Old Nature: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, exercise deliberate choice against sin (Galatians 5:16). Identify habits and thought patterns contrary to God’s Word and replace them with righteousness.

4. Rejoice and Walk in Newness: Embrace your newfound life with gratitude and expectancy. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 testifies, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Celebrate the freedom you now have in His grace and glory.

6. A Proclamation & Prayer

Proclamation:

I declare that I am dead to sin and alive to righteousness through Christ Jesus. The old has gone, and the new is here. By His resurrection power, I walk in complete freedom and newness of life.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the incredible gift of life you've given me in Christ. Help me to fully grasp my identity in Him and to live every day in the power of His resurrection. Protect me from the wiles of the enemy and lead me to consistently choose Your ways. Empower me by Your Spirit to manifest Your righteousness and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let these truths reshape your life, bringing true transformation and victory as you walk in the newness of life offered through Christ Jesus.