Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley reminds us that the Christian life begins with a new identity. Just as cicadas emerge from the ground, shed their shells, and take flight, believers are transformed the moment they trust Christ. We are regenerated, made new, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit who is committed to changing us day by day. But many Christians wrestle with sanctification—trying to measure growth, compare progress, or put it in categories of “lordship” or “grace-only.” Paul gives us a better way in Romans 6. The Christian life is not an “in order to” relationship with God, as though we live to earn His approval. It is a “because of” relationship. Because of what Christ has already done, we live differently. Paul outlines three essentials: know that your old self was crucified with Christ, consider yourself dead to sin, and present your life as an instrument of righteousness. Christ’s death was once for all, and His resurrection means sin no longer has mastery over us. The call is simple but profound: stop living to please God as though you must earn His favor, and start living because of what He has already done for you in Christ. Takeaways The moment we trust Christ, we are regenerated and given a new identity. Sanctification is God’s ongoing work of transforming us into Christ’s likeness. Paul calls us to live “because of” what Christ has done, not “in order to” earn His approval. We are to know our old self is crucified, consider ourselves dead to sin, and present our lives to God. Christ’s death was once for all, and His resurrection ensures sin and death no longer rule. Living under grace means we walk in newness of life as instruments of righteousness. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.