2:11-13 How are we to understand what Paul says here?
2:11-13 How are we to understand what Paul says here?
What Paul is saying in effect here is that, in view of the fact that Christians have put their faith in Christ for their salvation, they have died with Him (to their old sinful nature), and been spiritually resurrected from the dead (in their trespasses and sins).
They will live by means of Him, now and throughout eternity (CP Ro 6:1-14; 2Cor 5:14-15).
If Christians suffer for the gospel, they have the assurance that they will rule and reign with Christ in His eternal kingdom (CP Ro 8:17-18; 2Ti 3:12).
If Christians deny Christ, He will also deny them (CP Mt 10:33; Mk 8:38). If Christians are untrue to Christ and fall away from the faith, they will bring damnation upon themselves, for Christ must remain faithful to His own character as revealed in His word (CP He 6:4-8; 10:23-30; 2 Pe 2:20-22).
See also comments on Ro 6:1, 6:3-5, 6:6-11, 6:12-14, 8:17, 2Cor 5:11-15, Eph 2:5, He 6:4-6, 2Pe 2:20-22.