This is the profoundest and most fundamental section of the whole Epistle. It contains

an insight into the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2:10. We must read it slowly and thoughtfully many times in order to eateh its drift. In these comments we ean only skim in the most superficial manner across the surface.

We are here taught the unity of the race, not only in Adam, but in Christ. Adam’s sin has affected the standing of every man; but the grace and the obedience of the ‘‘One Man,’’ Jesus Christ, have secured for all men the offer of the free gift. The guilt that lay upon the race by the sin of Adam has been removed from the race by the obedience of the Son of man to the Cross. None, therefore, are condemned, on account of that first transgression, or doomed for that primal fall. In a sense, all are made righteous; that is, all stand before God on the basis of their individual, rather than their racial, responsibility. We are not condemned with Adam, but may be condemned, if we refuse to avail ourselves of the grace of Jesus Christ. All that sin forfeited is put within our reach. Nay, we may reach higher heights than Adam, if we will only receive the abundance of the grace of Christ.

Romans 6:1-11. It is not sufficient merely to apprehend, however clearly, our standing in Christ; we must see to it that the doctrine issues in a holy life. Nothing is more hurtful than to hold a truth intellectually, without giving it expression in character. Many who fight for the minute points of doctrinal accuracy are careless of the great demands of Christ for a life of godlike love. Therefore, after the Apostle’s massive statements of doctrine, he now turns to discuss the way of a holy life. The work of Christ for us must lead to his work im us and deliverance from the power of sin.

All who believe in Christ are reckoned as having been included in his death. They did not make atonement for sin, but they died to the life of self-will, of

self-pleasing, of subjection to the world-spirit, of citizenship in the earth-sphere, and passed with him into the life of resurrection glory. This is the significance of the rite of baptism. ‘‘Mark that seal!’’ cries the Apostle. ‘‘You belong to the resurrection side of death. Live in union with the risen Redeemer.’’

Romans 6:12-28. Standing with Christ on the resurrection side of death, we must present our whole being to God for his use. We have left forever behind, nailed to the Cross, the body of sin, Col. 2:14, and henceforth must see to it that every faculty shall become a weapon in God’s great warfare against evil. Let your powers be monopolized by God, so that there shall be no room left for the devil, Eph. 4:27.

All serve some higher power, but which? Our real owner and master, whatever we may say to the contrary, is indicated by our life. We belong to the one whom, in a crisis, we obey. Service to sin leads to uncleanness, iniquity, and death. Service to God leads

to righteousness, and that to sanctification, and that ~ to eternal life. Run your life into the mold of holy precept, as the obedient metal into the sand-cast, v. ale R.V. We have our reward in the present consciousness of the life which is life indeed.