Summary: A message on growing as a Christian.

CHRISTIANS AND THEIR CHRIST

Romans 8:1-9

INTRO: Just as Christ says that there is no true Christianity without conversion (Matthew 18:3), even so, Paul says that there is no true Christianity without Christ (Romans 8:9). Those who do not have Christs Spirit do not have his salvation.

I. CHRISTIANS HAVE A SAVING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST.

1. Grace has pardoned them through Christ.

(1) They have been cleansed by Christs blood. One of the glorious results of conversion by Christ and to Christianity, is that it brings pardon from the penalty of sin (v. 1). But what about the price and provisions for this pardon?

CHRISTS BLOOD PAID FOR THE CHRISTIAN’S RANSOM (1 Peter 1:18-19; Acts 20:28). Peter wants everyone to understand that they were ransomed by the precious blood of Jesus, not by corruptible things. Paul instructed us to take care of the church because of the cost.

CHRISTS BLOOD PROVIDED FOR THE CHRISTIAN’S REDEMPTION (Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:20). Paul talks about the riches we enjoy and the reconciliation we experience through the blood of Christ.

(2) They are being cleansed by Christs blood (1 John 1:7).

Christians experience, and enjoy, a special, spiritual fellowship with One who is sovereign and sinless (vv. 1-6). This cleansing is through Christ’s blood and includes three things:

It is conditional (v. 7a). We must walk with our Savior and other saints.

It continues (7b). The verb “cleanseth” contains the thought of continuous cleansing.

It is complete (v. 7c). It cleanses from all sin.

2. Grace has placed us in Christ’s body.

This is a sacred relationship In Ephesians 5:22-33; 1:22, Paul compares a social relationship—that of husband and wife—with a spiritual relationship—that of Christians with Christ—to show something of the sacredness of being placed by Christs blood into his body.

He says two things to believers about this sacred relationship.

(1) They are close to their Christ (Ephesians 5:22-30).

(2) They are controlled by their Christ (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23). Just as the human body is controlled by its head, even so is the holy body— Christs church—controlled by its head.

II. CHRISTIANS HAVE A SACRED RESPONSIBILITY TO CHRIST.

Neither the Savior nor the Scriptures teach spiritual redemption without a corresponding sacred responsibility. Here are three reasons given:

1. Christ is deserving of complete sovereignty. There are many who acknowledge Christ as being somewhat sovereign but do not accept him as being completely sovereign.

(1) His virgin birth make his complete sovereignty true (Matthew 1:18).

(2) His sinless life....(2 Corinthians 5:21).

(3) His crucifixion makes it so (1 Peter 2:22-25).

(4) His resurrection makes it so (1 Corinthians 15:20, 55-58).

(5) His visible return makes it so (Revelation 1:7).

2. Christ is desirous of complete sovereignty.

(1) Scripture reveals this desire (Romans 14:7-9).

(2) Some Christians respect this desire (1 Corinthians 10:31).

(3) Some refuse this desire (Luke 19:14).