Examine the foundation of union with Christ’s death and resurrection as a source of salvation. Explain the idea that as ordinary death alters legal relationships, death in Christ alters the believer’s legal obligations. The penalty that the law exacts is death, but those who have died through union with Christ have already suffered this penalty; the law has no authority to condemn them further. Discuss the law of marriage— when one partner dies, the law governing the relationship ceases to apply, and remarriage is not sin. Convey that believers rose to new life through union with Christ in the resurrection, and are free to belong to Christ for the purpose of bearing fruit to God. Illustrate that the old Adamic marriage to the law ceased to exist; believers are no longer under law, but are released from it. Describe the new marriage, an entry in to a new life dominated by the Holy Spirit, who gives new power to fulfill the holy laws of God.
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