Possessing Your Position

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 6:11 (NIV)

Freedom in Christ is available to you every moment. When the Apostle Paul writes, “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God,” in Romans 6:11, he is exhorting you to completely trust what God has already done for you in Christ. You have a secure position and unchanging status before God. 

As a follower of Jesus, you are dead to sin and alive to God whether you “count” yourself that way or not. So in today’s verse, Paul merely encourages you to recognize and take hold of who you are in Christ. And all you need to do is agree and believe this reality.

This “counting” yourself dead to sin is not about how you feel, it is based on what you believe. You will never “feel” dead to sin in this life. Rather, you can simply believe it through the power of the Holy Spirit in you. And you can trust God’s Word because He cannot lie. His Word speaks reality; it explains the way things are. 

That is what salvation through faith alone means. Whether or not I feel free, I am free because God says I am free. Whether or not I feel like more than a conqueror, I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ because God says I am. Whether I feel my royal position as a son or daughter of the king, my identity does not change.

You aren’t just saved through faith in Christ one time; you live each moment through faith in Jesus Christ. This is why Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “…The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” This is how you possess your position–daily trusting God’s love for you. 

You can put your trust in Jesus and take hold of what He has given to you. Your status is dead to sin and alive to God. Stand strong in your freedom. And your position is seated in heavenly places with Christ. Nothing can take you out or overwhelm you. 

Now, welcome the Holy Spirit as He empowers you to live like it. 

Prayer: Lord, Thank You for the power of Your Word. In this Advent season, I wait upon You, Lord. And I know that as I do, I receive Your salvation and blessing. Lord, I embrace my status as dead to sin and alive to You. Help me stand in this freedom today. Thank You that Your Spirit helps me live these realities every moment. Through Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.