By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Free
Romans 6:1–14
Dead to Sin (1–7)
In the previous chapter, Paul said that an increase of sin means a greater multiplication in grace (5:20). People might question, “Perhaps I should sin more so more grace will be released?”
In essence, they wonder that since they “have salvation” can they live anyway they wish?
Paul emphatically answers, “Certainly not!” Christians were once dead in sin (Eph. 2:1), now we are dead to sin.
Our baptism is a reminder that we have died, been buried and raised again with Christ. Because we died with Christ, sin has lost its power over us.
Not that we cannot and will not sin, but in dying with Christ, our old nature has been crucified.
The Holy Spirit, who lives within us, changes our longings. We no longer ask, “How much can we get away with and still be a Christian?” Instead, being freed from the slavery of sin creates a longing within us to be pleasing to the Lord. Praise be to God, our death with Christ guarantees that we live with Him.
Humanity’s sinfulness is often revealed in times of crisis. While some people want to hoard hand sanitizer and toilet paper, we as God’s people exhibit an unexplainable peace. Why? We know He who holds the future has also freed us from the slavery of sin.
Alive in Christ (8–11)
Today is an excellent opportunity to show how we are alive in Christ by exhibiting His peace in these difficult days. We are able to display this peace because our Savior died, rose again and conquered death. He cannot die again; therefore, the consequence of sin (death) no longer has power over us.
This Scripture does not mean we are immune to temptation and sin. However, it does mean we have been delivered from its reign. Furthermore, Jesus is alive and lives for the glory of God (Rom. 6:10). Paul is touching on a deep concept that involves the mystery that Jesus is both God and also Son. In His Sonship, He lives to God and even intercedes for us to God. The essence of this statement is that the only way we can live to and for God is in Christ.
How does this look? Transformation has occurred in our lives, in our passions and pursuits, and in our “want to.”
Our hearts are set on heavenly things and we are not stressed out, worried and consumed by the same things as the world.
We are forgiven and we have calmness in our lives. Alive to God means He sees us not as we are in ourselves but as we are in Christ.
Tools of Righteousness (12–14)
Since we are dead to sin, we must not allow sin to control us as it has in the past. God has freed us from the bondage of sin, but we have a human responsibility to act upon this freedom. When we dabble in sin, we allow evil to have control over an aspect of our lives. In turn, we become an instrument or weapon of wickedness.
The Greek word translated weapon can also be used to reference a sacrifice. Paul, therefore, encourages us to reject sin and instead offer ourselves as a tool or sacrifice to God. As previously mentioned, neither our temptations nor abilities to sin are removed from us. Believers are still “in the flesh” as well as “in Christ.” We still struggle.
Paul encourages believers who have been freed from sin to stop living like slaves. Sin cannot rule over followers of Christ because it no longer has lordship over them. How can we live up to these righteous demands? Through Jesus Christ and the grace He offers.
In a world filled with confusion and panic, we must offer ourselves as tools of His righteousness. Rejecting the dominion of sin in our lives brings about hope for a watching world and glory to God who offers grace to everyone who believes.
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