E-News: With Christ in the Resurrection
by Hegomen Pishoy Kamel
Resurrection, Repentance and Baptism
Repentance: Death from sin and resurrection with Christ. Baptism: Burial and resurrection with Christ.
"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Rom 6:4) St. John Chrysostom says: "Indeed, the Lord confirmed the truth of the resurrection after forty days by different appearances and numerous forms, in order to prove to us that we are engaged in the resurrection for a new life in the likeness of His resurrection... in newness of life."
How Do We Enter into the Power of the Resurrection?
Indeed, the body of the Lord in His resurrection became a spiritual heaven, not submitting to the world even though it lives in the world. Therefore it is appropriate: That our lives be heavenly even though we live in the world since if we live according to the flesh we will die, but if by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body, we will live. (Rom 8:13) The deeds of the flesh that we should avoid are "...adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries..." (Galatians 5:19- 21)
Therefore we should become separated from the world even though we live in the world. Due to this, the Apostle says, "the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess and those who use this world as not misusing it." (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)
Lastly "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God... For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (Col 3:1-4)
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