"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death...Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:2, 12, 13)

As a repeating theme in Romans, 'Jesus has made [us] free from the law of sin and death' (8:2). However, can that verse stand alone? Just as we have previously discussed that unless we take the initiative to accept faith, we will not be justified. These verses remind us that even after taking initiative to accept faith, we are not guaranteed a sure justification. It is only after living according to the Spirit that we can 'put to death the deeds of the body' (13).

Even though we may possess the Spirit of God, it doesn't mean that we actually 'live according to the Spirit' (5). Having the Spirit dwell in us will 'give life to [our] mortal bodies' (11), but it doesn't guarantee us eternal life. It only give us a chance at true life. The concept can be likened to being accepted into a college of our choice, we are not guaranteed to graduated unless we do our part and study. Only if we set our minds to study and pass the classes are we in contention of the degree we seek after. 'Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit' (5). Therefore, only if we set our minds on the things of the Spirit are we able to overcome our fleshly desires and walk on the path God has opened for us. Only then, do we have a chance at Salvation.

The fountain of Salvation has indeed been opened. It is for us to take freely. However, it doesn't come without effort on our part. God has done His part by sending His only begotten Son to sacrifice for our iniquities. Now is it up to us to finish up the journey and obtain that 'certificate' of Salvation.