When parents adopt a child, that child becomes united with the family and the parents assume the child’s care. In describing our relationship with God, the Apostle Paul uses the analogy of our being united with God through Christ. This union explains how we can be set free from the chains of sin and the consequences for disobeying the Law. He writes in Romans CH. 8: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. . . . in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Here the apostle tells us that Christ’s death for us set us free from our bondage to sin which results in eternal death. God did this by uniting us with Jesus in his death. Jesus Christ took upon himself all our obligations so we could find favor with God. That is why faith in Christ is so crucial. Faith enables us to receive God’s forgiveness and favor.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
