MORIR PARA VIVIR (PARTE 2) - John MacArthur

Introducción al Capítulo 6 de Romanos

Contexto y Preparación

• El pastor John MacArthur introduce el estudio del capítulo 6 de Romanos, destacando su importancia histórica en la iglesia.

• Expresa que ha sido enriquecido por el material existente sobre este capítulo y espera compartir nuevas revelaciones.

Testimonio de John Newton

• Se narra la historia de John Newton, quien fue esclavizado en África y vivió en condiciones extremas antes de convertirse en un ministro del evangelio.

• Newton escribió himnos famosos, incluyendo "Cosas gloriosas de ti son habladas", reflejando su transformación espiritual.

La Transformación a Través de Cristo

Cambio Radical

• Se plantea la pregunta sobre qué puede cambiar radicalmente una vida; se responde que es la salvación ofrecida por Jesucristo.

• Se menciona Gálatas 2:20 como un versículo clave que describe cómo los creyentes son crucificados con Cristo y viven por fe.

Resultados de la Justificación

• Pablo discute los resultados de la justificación: seguridad en la salvación (capítulo 5), santidad (capítulo 6), y conflicto (capítulo 7).

• La redención transforma a las personas, haciéndolas nuevas criaturas en Cristo.

La Gracia Supera al Pecado

Dominio del Pecado vs. Gracia

• Pablo explica que donde abundó el pecado, sobreabundó la gracia, enfatizando el triunfo de esta última sobre el pecado.

• Anticipa críticas sobre su enseñanza acerca de la gracia, abordando preocupaciones sobre vivir sin restricciones morales.

Pregunta Crítica Sobre Salvación

• Se plantea si una persona puede seguir viviendo en pecado después de ser salva; Pablo responde enfáticamente que no es posible.

La Relación con el Pecado Tras la Salvación

Transformación Necesaria

• Pablo argumenta que aquellos muertos al pecado no pueden continuar viviendo en él; esto es fundamental para entender la salvación.

Nueva Identidad

• Un creyente debe experimentar una transformación básica; ya no está bajo el dominio del pecado sino bajo justicia.

Dos Reinos: Pecado vs. Gracia

Monarcas Espirituales

• Hay solo dos dominios: uno gobernado por el pecado y otro por la gracia. Cada persona está bajo uno u otro.

Ciudadanía Celestial

• Al ser salvos, los creyentes son trasladados del reino del pecado al reino de Dios, lo cual implica un cambio radical en su vida.

Argumento Sobre Bautismo e Identidad con Cristo

Bautismo como Simbolismo

• Pablo utiliza el bautismo para ilustrar cómo los creyentes están unidos a Cristo tanto en su muerte como resurrección.

Unión con Cristo

• Ser bautizados significa estar inmersos o identificados con Jesús; esto representa una unión íntima y transformadora.

Muerte del Viejo Hombre

Crucifixión del Viejo Yo

• El viejo hombre ha sido crucificado junto a Cristo; esto implica que ya no existe esa naturaleza antigua corrupta.

Nueva Naturaleza

• Los creyentes deben entender que han muerto al viejo yo y ahora viven como nuevas criaturas en Cristo.

Understanding the Concept of the "Old Man" in Salvation

The Nature of the Old Man

• The term "old man" refers to the unregenerate nature, described as worn out and useless, appropriate only for discarding. It represents humanity before salvation—condemned and depraved.

• In Romans 5:12, it is stated that sin entered through one man (Adam), leading to death for all because all have sinned. This establishes Adam as a representative of those in sin versus being in Christ, who brings grace.

• The old man signifies the Adamic nature—the unregenerate state. Paul emphasizes that believers are crucified with Christ, indicating a complete separation from their former selves.

Crucifixion of the Old Man

• The old man has been crucified; this is not an ongoing process but a completed reality. Believers should not claim they are still trying to crucify their old selves.

• While believers are new creations in Christ, they are not yet perfect. The old man represents what was unregenerate while the new man embodies regeneration.

Radical Change Through Justification

• Justification leads to a radical change in one's nature. If someone continues living under sin's tyranny without visible change, it indicates they have not experienced true redemption.

• The body of sin must be destroyed so that believers no longer serve sin. This destruction does not imply eradication but rather losing its controlling power over them.

Understanding Sin and Human Nature

• Paul associates sin with human physicality; he argues that while Christians may see sin after salvation, it does not mean they are under its control anymore.

• In Romans 8:10–11, Paul discusses how Christ’s spirit gives life to mortal bodies despite their connection with sin.

Control Over Sin Post-Salvation

• Paul views the body as influenced by sinful nature prior to salvation; however, through union with Christ's death, believers' bodies are no longer solely controlled by sin.

• The phrase "body of sin" refers to humanity under total control of sinful nature before salvation.

New Life Under God's Authority

• After accepting Christ, believers' bodies become temples of the Holy Spirit and should no longer yield to sinful desires since they now operate under divine authority.

• Believers must present their bodies as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12), emphasizing their new role free from previous dominion by sin.

Transitioning from Sinful Control

• Although some commentators debate whether “the body” symbolizes mass sinful behavior or individual actions, it's clear that post-crucifixion means freedom from past sins’ dominance.

Freedom From Sin's Tyranny

• Before salvation, individuals were entirely dominated by sin; now freed from this tyranny through faith in Christ’s sacrifice (Galatians 5:24).

Living Under New Mastery

• A metaphor illustrates two fields representing life before and after knowing Christ—one ruled by Satan and another governed by Jesus’ righteousness.

Clarifying Misconceptions About Sin

• Some misunderstandings arise regarding whether Christians can completely eradicate sinful tendencies; however, while temptation remains present post-salvation, control has shifted away from sin.

Death To Sin Explained

• Romans 6:2 states that dying with Christ means liberation from guilt associated with past sins—this legal aspect underscores why believers need not fear eternal punishment for sins committed after conversion.

Implications of Being Dead To Sin

• When discussing being dead to sin (Romans 6:7), it highlights liberation rather than absence of struggle against temptation which persists due to remaining human frailty.

Conclusion on Death Aligned With Christ

Final Thoughts on Living For God

• Believers who die with Christ also live for Him eternally—a transformative experience rooted in His victory over death and ongoing influence within their lives today.

Understanding the Power of Sin and Redemption

The Nature of Christ's Sacrifice

• The speaker emphasizes that Jesus not only died for the payment of sin but also broke the power of sin, which is a crucial aspect often misunderstood.

• It is stated that Jesus was made sin temporarily, bearing our sins in His body, thus lifting the burden of sin upon resurrection.

• The concept of "double death to sin" is introduced, highlighting salvation from both God's wrath and the power of sin through belief in Christ.

Identity Transformation Through Faith

• A Christian is described as someone who undergoes a profound transformation, becoming a new creation with a divine identity rather than merely receiving forgiveness or blessings.

• John Newton's reflection on personal growth illustrates that while one may not be perfect yet, they are no longer what they once were due to Christ’s sacrifice.

Embracing New Life in Christ

• The prayer acknowledges the struggle to comprehend spiritual truths but reassures believers that salvation breaks the tyranny of sin and enables holy living.

• There’s an emphasis on understanding redemption beyond positional truth; it signifies being transformed into new creatures capable of eternal life.