Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Paul anticipates the objection that grace might encourage sin, and answers with the doctrine of union: 'How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?' Baptism pictures burial with Christ, so that as He was raised by the glory of the Father, believers too walk in newness of life. The old self was crucified with Him so the body of sin might be rendered powerless, freeing us from slavery to sin. This is not moral self-improvement but a change of ownership — we belong now to the risen Christ. Paul's command to 'reckon' yourselves dead to sin and alive to God shows that this truth must be actively believed and applied, not merely admired. Grace does not excuse sin; grace, rightly understood, is the very power that breaks sin's dominion.
I. The question answered
- Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
- God forbid — the impossibility of the objection
- Grace transforms rather than tolerates
II. The union pictured in baptism
- Buried with Him by baptism into death
- Raised to walk in newness of life
- Planted together in the likeness of His resurrection
III. The old self crucified
- The body of sin destroyed
- No longer slaves to sin
- Freed from sin's dominion, not sinless perfection
IV. The reckoning required
- "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves"
- Dead indeed unto sin
- Alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord
You are not asked to fight sin in your own strength but to reckon yourself dead to it and alive to God in Christ. Will you believe and live today from that new identity?
Key points
- Grace never becomes a license for continued sin.
- Baptism symbolizes union with Christ's death and resurrection.
- Believers must actively reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God.
Key passages
- Romans 6:1-4
- Romans 6:6
- Romans 6:11
- Colossians 3:1-3