For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Romans 14:9 WEB
The prior two verses give the context for this statement. Paul says in Romans 14:7-8, “For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s. WEB”
Verse seven reveals our relationship to the Lord and our fellow believers. None of Us live in isolation. We share a definite relationship with Jesus. In addition, we share a special relationship with our fellow believers. We both live and die in communion with the Lord and in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. There is an intimate and active relationship between believers and Jesus.
Further, verse eight indicates that we no longer live for ourselves. Rather, we live to serve the Lord and support the church. We cannot rightfully claim to live for our own goals and to satisfy our own agendas. Jesus bought our lives, paying the price for our sin on the cross at Calvary.
Life After Death
In Addition, verse eight encourages the understanding of our eventual death and eternal life with Christ in heaven. When we die, we do not die to ourselves, we die in Christ, share in his resurrection, and enter into eternity to be with the Lord always. The dead and the living belong to Jesus.
The ninth verse of chapter fourteen in Paul’s letter to the Romans speaks to our eternal salvation through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our Lord’s death paid the price for our sin. As we read in 1 John 2:2, “And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. WEB”
Paul uses these poetic words to illustrate the reason for Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus experienced both life and death. In doing so, Christ became the Lord of the dead and the living. The Lord holds authority over the living and those who pass into eternity. Though spiritually dead because of sin, Jesus gives new life to all who believe in him and eternal life to all who die in faith.
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for your saving grace. Thank you that you made Jesus the Lord of the dead and the living. Give me wisdom to put your word into practice in my life. Lead me to do your will as I look forward to eternity in your heavenly kingdom. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Saved Through Faith
