Beloved in the Lord, the fact is that the whole human race is on death row, justly condemned for repeatedly breaking God’s holy law. Without Jesus, we would have no hope at all. But thank God! He has declared us not guilty and has offered us freedom from sin and power to do His will.

The life-giving spirit is the Holy Spirit. He was present at the creation of the world, and He is the power behind the rebirth of every Christian. He gives us the power we need to live the Christian life.

Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. In the Old Testament times, animal sacrifices were continually offered at the temple. The sacrifice showed the Israelites the seriousness of sin. Blood had to be shed before sins could be pardoned but the blood of animals could not really remove sins. The sacrifices could only point to Jesus’ sacrifice, which paid the penalty for all sins.

Friends, in this passage, Paul divides people into two categories: those who are dominated by their sinful nature, and those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit. Many of us would be in the first category if Jesus hadn’t offered us a way out. Once we have said yes to Jesus, we would want to continue following Him because His way brings life and peace. Daily we must consciously choose to center our life on God. Use the Bible to discover God’s guidelines and then follow them. In every perplexing situation, ask yourself, what would Jesus want me to do? When the Holy Spirit points out what is right, do it eagerly.