Daily Devotion for June 21, 2026

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 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.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Today’s reading explains that believers are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, making it illogical to continue living in sin. Baptism symbolizes this death to the old sinful nature and resurrection to a new life, where Christians are freed from sin's dominion and called to live for God. My childhood religious experience included a “believer’s baptism” by emersion, which gave me real life experience of what Paul is talking about here.

This reading explains the purpose, function, and goal of the sacrament of baptism, in relation to all human beings who are held under the grip of sin and the reign of death. Through baptism, humanity can make the transition from sin into grace via the sacrament of baptism.

Baptism acts as a symbolic, yet real, participation in Christ's death and burial, signifying the end of the old life and resurrection into "newness of life".

Theologically, Paul’s view on baptism is that it is a journey or a process and its effects are not only for a moment but for an entire life. Believers must understand that the baptism Paul is talking about in Romans 6 does not just wash away the stains of sin, but rather, it is a participation in the death of Jesus Christ and an anticipation of his resurrection.

The death of Christ was a once and for all event. Thus, sin and death are no longer things that should worry Christian believers. Every believer is in union with Christ and that Christ dwells in him or her. This assurance is lived out in discipleship, that is, a life dedicated to God.

Dear Lord, help me to remember my baptism and to lead a life as Your disciple.

Donna DeMauro

donna@demaurostl.com

Prayer Concern – Those who haven’t had the opportunity to experience baptism.