DATE POSTED: Monday, September 21, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. Please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org to find and read all episodes shared over the years.

SCRIPTURE: Romans 6:1-4 (NLT) –.¹ Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? ² Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? ³ Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? ⁴ For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

DEVOTIONAL: In Romans 5:20, the apostle Paul introduces a mind-blowing truth: where sin abounded, God’s grace abounded all the more. But Paul knew human nature. He anticipated that some might twist this truth into a license to keep sinning, assuming that more sin simply gives God more opportunities to display His grace.

Paul responds with immediate and emphatic clarity: “Of course not!”

Paul reminds believers that we have died to sin. This does not mean that we never struggle with temptation, but it does mean that sin is no longer the master of our lives. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have been united with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection. The old life that was dominated by sin has been replaced by a new life that seeks to honor God.

Consider a person who has received mercy after facing the consequences of wrongdoing. Would he immediately desire to return to the same actions that brought him trouble? Certainly not. Gratitude for mercy creates a desire for change. In a much greater way, the believer who has experienced God’s saving grace should desire to walk in obedience rather than return to a life of rebellion.

Paul points to baptism as a beautiful picture of this spiritual reality. When we are baptized, we publicly identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Going beneath the water symbolizes the burial of the old life. Rising from the water reminds us that we have been raised to walk in newness of life through the power of Christ.

As we process what this looks like in our daily lives, two practical questions often arise:

1. “What if I haven’t been baptized yet? Am I still saved?”

Remember the thief on the cross next to Jesus. He had no opportunity to enter a baptismal pool, yet Jesus promised him, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Salvation is a gift received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. However, just as you naturally want to share exciting news about your family with the world, baptism is your opportunity to publicly celebrate your new life in Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation—a sacred step where fellow believers rejoice with you and commit to lifting you up in prayer.

2. “I was baptized years ago, but lately I feel far less enthusiasm for the Lord.”

Consider how marriage works. If you only spoke to your spouse once or twice a week, or spent quality time together once or twice a year, that relationship would quickly drift into coldness and distance. Strong, vibrant marriages are built on daily, sweet communion. Your relationship with God is no different. Spoken prayer, listening to His voice through Bible study, and walking in loving obedience are the daily habits that keep the flame alive.

Relationships flourish and enthusiasm is energized based on what we put into relationships, not what we hope to receive from them.

The Christ who died for us and rose again has called us to a new life. May we never treat His grace as permission to sin, but rather as motivation to pursue Him with all our hearts.

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TODAY’S CHALLENGE: Take a sincere look at your walk with Christ today. Has your love for Him grown stronger, or have other priorities crowded Him out?

If you sense that your passion has cooled, recommit yourself to spending time with the Lord in prayer, Bible study, and obedience to His Word. Remember that Jesus willingly went to the cross because of His love for you. Let your response be a renewed desire to love, honor, and follow Him more faithfully.

PRAYER: Lord God, I recognize that a deep and lasting relationship with You requires intentional commitment, daily devotion, and a heart yielded to Your Word. Where my enthusiasm has cooled, reignite the fire of Your Holy Spirit within me. Draw me so close to You today that when others interact with me, they see the character, love, and grace of Jesus reflected in my words and actions. Fill me afresh with Your presence, Lord. Be glorified in my life and in every encounter I have today. I also pray for those in my circle of influence who do not yet know You as Savior. Soften their hearts, open their eyes to Your grace, and bring them into the peace and contentment that only comes through a relationship with You. I pray all these things in the precious name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. For my earlier devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!