Dead Or Alive?

(Here's something a friend wrote that I think will benefit you.)

Are You Dead Or Alive?

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God."  (Rom 6:12-13)

When the majority of Christians read these verses, it’s like they just ignore every verse that leads up to them. The relationship with sin has ceased. You are no longer under its control or power. You are no longer its slave. You no longer obey sin.  The power of sin is the Law, and you are no longer under the Law.  Do you remember from chapter 5 where Paul says sin reigns? It reigns in death. You are now alive in Christ. If you do not consider yourself dead to sin, and alive to God, then you will put yourself back under the Law declaring yourself a sinner who is obeying sin.  Are you going to go back and present the members of your body to a system that proves you a sinner, or are you going to present yourself to God as what you are... an instrument of righteousness? Are you in sin or in Christ? Are you dead or alive?  - Dave O'Brien