Appropriating the Death of Christ as a Believer
Nelson Thomas Mumbai
We, born-again Christians are passionate about our Lord’s sufferings and death, but do we really experience the efficacy of Christ’s death in our daily practical life? Apart from forgiveness, reconciliation, regeneration etc., there are a few more precious realities that we ought to know and appropriate because of the death of Christ. Let us consider three of these things:
1. Our death to sin, Rom. 6:7, 11, 12
Paul begins Romans chapter 6 with a poignant question, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” Affirming his negative answer he elaborates the wonderful reality of our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Just as a dead slave is liberated from the master, by virtue of our death with Christ on the cross, sin lost its dominion or claim over us. In other words, to live in sin, to cherish evil thoughts etc., is a contradiction that denies the efficacy of the cross.
2. Our death to self, 2 Cor. 5:14c, 15.
“... if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Cor. 5: 14c, 15)
Not only does our death with Christ affect our relation to sin but even to ourselves. Paul himself testifies, “I have been crucified with Christ: it’s no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me...” (Gal. 2:20) No more I, no more selfish ambitions or promotions.
A life contrary to that is a denial of the effectiveness of Christ’s work for us. In other words, if the death of Christ has any effect on our life as we claim, we cannot live for self or self-glory.
3. Our death to the world system and its principles, Gal. 6:14; Colo. 2:20.
“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Gal. 6:14)
“If you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why as though living do you subject to regulations...” (Colo. 2:20)
The moment we identify with Christ our Savior, the world begins to see us as rejected and despised as they did with the Lord Jesus. Similarly, we too should see the world system as something contrary to God and His purposes, and hence we need to maintain separation from the world.
In Colossians, Paul spoke of the believer’s death to the traditions of the world (Col. 2:20, 8). Here he refers to the man-made teachings, ideologies, and rituals that do not help a believer. Apostle John speaks of all that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). In other words, this world system has a lot of things that can satisfy the cravings of our old sin nature and the appetite of our eyes. A believer, who is conscious of his death to the world with Christ, will always be away from all these affections and attractions. (1 John 2:15, 16)
On the contrary, if we still cherish worldly thoughts and ways of life, John says the love of the Father is not in us. Moreover, we deny the efficiency of Christ’s death for us. This means that we are not effectively affected by the cross of Christ.
Death daily
How is it possible to practically experience the result of the cross in our life? Paul writes regarding this in the following perspective,
“I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” (Gal. 6:17)
“We who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake…” (2 Cori. 4:11, 12)
It is important to know, acknowledge, and count ourselves as dead with Christ (Rom. 6:6, 11). Further, the indwelling risen Lord Jesus Christ empowers us to live in the newness of life. It’s a shame and even painful thing for the Lord Jesus to see that even after His sufferings and death we still cherish sin, exalt self, and live for the world.
Let us be aware of the true meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and experience its effect in our daily lives. Let us bear the mark of Christ, and be willing to die daily. Though alive, let’s live as if dead to the things around us.
We need to live just as the Lord lived, ‘seeing many things but not taking a note, hearing yet not paying any attention’ (Isa. 42:19, 20). Then, the sufferings and death of Christ will have full meaning and value in our lives. Surely, then He will be satisfied by seeing the fruit of His labor (Isa. 53:11).
