Because of Christ, we can count ourselves free from sin's rule and alive to God.
“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”Romans 6:11 (KJV)
What does “Alive to God” mean in Romans 6:11?
The Greek word for reckon means to count, to consider something as true and act on it. Paul asks believers to count themselves dead to sin and alive to God, because that is what is true in Christ.
Going deeper
Paul has been explaining what Christ's death and resurrection mean for those who belong to Him. Then he gives an instruction: likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. To reckon is to do the math and trust the result. In Christ, the old power of sin has been broken, and a new life has begun. Paul asks us to live as if that is really true, because it is.
This is practical. When temptation comes, we can remember that we are no longer bound to it as we once were. When we are discouraged, we can remember that we are alive to God, and that He is the one who fills our days with meaning. Try saying it to yourself when you wake up: I am alive to God through Jesus Christ. Then go into the day with that identity, and let it shape how you respond.
Reflect
What would change today if you reckoned yourself alive to God?
Pray
Lord, I count myself dead to sin and alive to You through Jesus. Help me to live in that truth today. In Jesus' name, amen.
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