The final stage of immersion-baptism, coming up out of the water, reminds us that as Jesus was raised from the dead, we too have been given a new life to live.  The resurrection of Jesus assures us that one day we will have new bodies (Job 19:26).  But until then we are called to live a 'resurrection life' in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The truth is that, even now, in Christ we do not have to sin; we are no longer slaves of Satan who are forced to rebel against our Lord (Romans 6:12-14).  We are not compelled to sin although, alas, we sometimes choose to.  However, the whole point of our new life in Christ is that we will choose not to!  That is our daily struggle.  We 'die to sin' as we 'take up our cross daily' (Luke 9:23-24).  That means denying the validity of temptation, refusing to accept the lie that sin is 'good for us', as we practise obeying the Lord.

The picture is dramatic.  Jesus died on a cross, His body unresponsive, and we have been united with Him in His death.  In the same way, our bodies should no longer be responsive to temptation.  Instead of our sinful desires controlling out actions, we should reckon ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6:11).  It is a life-time’s struggle.

The death of Jesus Christ is not just a kind act on our behalf, but it is designed to start a revolution in the way we live - at work, in the community and at home.  Indeed, if we are not changing from what we were, something is wrong.  And that change needs to continue "so that everyone may see your progress" (1 Timothy 4:15).  Conversion is not the end-point of the Christian's life; it is the starting point ... after that we must make progress in our obedience every day until we are finally united with Him.  So stop and look at your life, consider the lies you accept and the sins you commit; then repent and ask the Lord for help so that you can live a more obedient life.