8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
8 For
Verse eight explains verse seven. Our decisions determine the course of our lives. Whether we live or die completely depends on the highest direction of our lives. This is the bond that unites believers in Christ.
if we live, we live to the Lord;
Both the strong and weak believer are to “live to the Lord.” Both have a mutual, sovereign Lord.
and if we die, we die to the Lord.
We accept the sovereignty of the Lord in our death. He has the right to determine how long we live and under what conditions.
Therefore,
If everything we do is done to the Lord, then that means by implication we accept His sovereignty over our lives.
whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
The believer’s options about what he believes all center on devotion to the Lord. Whether we live or die, we place ourselves in the hands of the Lord.
PRINCIPLE:
Our overwhelming orientation is to the Lord.
APPLICATION:
The center of our lives should not be on ourselves. No Christian should consider himself his own master. He is not at liberty to do what he pleases. The idea of having a “Lord” in our lives means that we have someone who is sovereign over all events and situations that come into our experience. We belong to Him in time and eternity. He has the right to scrutinize everything we do. We are His entirely.
The solidity of our bond in the Lord rests on applying the principle of the lordship of Christ in our life or death. Our subjective application of this rests on the objective sovereignty of the Lord, who autonomously determines the wellbeing of each believer.
