Monthly Column

“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.” Romans 6:4

It is in the resurrection of Christ that a new life in Christ is created for us. He was “raised for our justification” (Romans 4:5) so that we, in faith, could live each day with the sure and certain knowledge that our sins are forgiven. As Luther put it, Christ stepped “into our place, offering Himself in order that He may reconcile God to us, so that through Him we can put our trust in God, and our consciences need not fear His wrath not stand in dread of His judgment, as St. Paul says (Romans 5:3) “Through Him we have our peace with God and our access by faith to His grace.” (WA 10.1(i), 717 ff).

So what does the resurrection of Christ bring to us? 1) Reconciliation with God; 2) Trust in God; 3) A conscience free from the wrath of God; and so 4) Peace.

That is quite a list. Quite a description of our new life in Jesus Christ; our new life that occurs because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

But let’s face it: Sometimes it seems like our new life in Christ is no different than any other life in the world. That others—not even Christians—are happier, more confident, joyful and seem to have a zest for life while we feebly struggle from day to day. That even among Christians, this new life seems to vary in expression from person to person.

Well, the reason the new life in Christ varies in expression is of course that every Christian is different, that each exists in a different station or calling and life, and each has been gifted differently by the Holy Spirit.

Still, shouldn’t there be more? More something?

Well there is. Take a look at the list above again.

But then realize that a new life so lived is like the life lived in which we were in top physical shape. You remember that? When we were in top physical shape, we really did not realize we were. We simply enjoyed the athletic activities we participated in because we were able to do so. Two hours of running up and down a basketball court? No problem. Running 3 miles or more? Peace of cake! Swimming a hundred laps in a pool? No issue.

It is only later, when such physical activity was no longer possible that we realized how good of shape we were in before. And what a benefit it was.

So it is with our Spiritual “fitness.” It first is when we no longer grasp our resurrected life in Christ—that is our reconciliation with God, our trust in Him, our conscience free of wrath, and so peace–that we realize its existence, that is, just how wonderful such a life was and is.

Having this peace, then, we simply can rejoice. Rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. And rejoice in the new life that is ours because of that resurrection.