Salvation, Satisfaction, and the Story of Advent
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Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our former self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has died is freed from sin.
Romans 6:3–7
The Sacrament of Baptism unites us with the death and resurrection of Jesus. Christ died and was buried in the tomb and then rose again on the third day; and in the waters of Baptism we are buried to sin and raised to new life in Christ. This is not merely a symbol; Baptism truly sets us free from the stain of original sin and makes us new creatures in Christ. Our baptism gives us the grace to live no longer for ourselves but for the glory of God. In Baptism, we are transformed from sin’s slaves to God’s saints.
While Baptism removes original sin, it does not remove our tendency to sin. We are still free to choose not to serve God; and because original sin has weakened our nature, we often choose ourselves over him. This is why salvation is a journey. Each day is another step along the path toward perfection. Each day we are called again to die to sin and rise to new life. Yet we can be joyful, because in Christ we are being transformed day by day into the men God has called each of us to be. Every day we share in the newness of life, the incredible, joyful experience of emptying ourselves so that we can be filled with the glory of Jesus. In Christ, our every action is given new meaning, greater fullness, and ever-increasing joy as we live out our call to witness this saving grace to a broken world.
Questions for Reflection
What does it mean to you to be dead to sin but alive in Jesus?
What are the sins in your life right now that you must die to in order to live a godly life?
Have you experienced the joy of living for Jesus and dying to self? If yes, what were the circumstances? If no, how will you pray for the grace to receive what Jesus longs to give you?
What is one way you think God is asking you to die to yourself for love of him and for the good of another person?
Praying with Scripture
But if Christ is in you, although your bodies are dead because of sin, your spirits are alive because of righteousness. (Rom 8:10)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
