1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Overview of Romans Chapter 6
Romans Chapter 6 is a pivotal section of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, where he addresses the implications of grace and the believer’s relationship with sin. This chapter emphasizes the transformative power of baptism and the believer’s new identity in Christ, highlighting the call to live a life free from sin.
Theological Themes
- Grace and Sin: Paul confronts the misconception that grace can be used as a license to sin.
- Baptism: The chapter discusses baptism as a symbol of death to sin and new life in Christ.
- Slavery to Righteousness: Believers are encouraged to view themselves as slaves to righteousness rather than to sin.
Key Verses and Analysis
- Verse 1-2: “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”
Paul begins with a rhetorical question addressing the potential misunderstanding of grace. He emphatically rejects the idea that believers can continue in sin simply because they are under grace.
- Verse 3-4: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Here, Paul explains the significance of baptism, which symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection. This act signifies a break from the old life of sin and the beginning of a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
- Verse 5-7: “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”
Paul emphasizes the believer’s union with Christ, assuring that just as they share in His death, they will also share in His resurrection. This union signifies freedom from the power of sin.
- Verse 11: “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
This verse calls believers to adopt a new mindset, recognizing their identity in Christ. It is a directive to live in accordance with their new reality as those who have been resurrected with Christ.
- Verse 12-14: “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life…”
Paul urges believers to take an active stance against sin, emphasizing the importance of their choices and actions. The call to present oneself to God underscores the believer’s commitment to righteousness.
- Verse 23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This concluding verse contrasts the consequences of sin with the gift of eternal life, encapsulating the core message of the chapter: while sin leads to death, God offers life through Jesus Christ.
Practical Implications
- Understanding Identity: Believers are called to recognize their identity as those who have died to sin and are alive in Christ.
- Living in Freedom: The chapter encourages Christians to live in the freedom that comes from being united with Christ, resisting the temptations of sin.
- Active Participation: Paul emphasizes the importance of actively choosing righteousness and presenting oneself to God as an instrument for good.
Conclusion
Romans Chapter 6 serves as a powerful reminder of the believer’s new identity in Christ and the call to live a life that reflects this transformation. Through baptism, believers are symbolically united with Christ’s death and resurrection, empowering them to walk in newness of life and resist the power of sin.
