HIGHLIGHT
Romans 6:7–8 (ESV): 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
EXPLAIN
In the previous chapter, Paul explained that while Adam’s sin brought death and condemnation into the world, Jesus’ death on the Cross has brought life and justification for all. He concluded that where sin increased, grace abounded more.
Paul then asked if that meant we should sin more that grace might continually abound and give God more glory. The answer is obviously no. Like Christ died to sin and was raised to new life to die no more, so we have died to sin and have been raised to walk in the newness of life.
APPLY
While Paul’s reasoning makes sense to us and while we believe that we have been set free from sin and must live with Christ and in Christ, this idea that we have actually died to sin and have been set free is shocking.
We are dead to sin! Sin has no hold on us! Yes, Paul speaks of the power of the carnal nature in Romans 7. The carnal nature has virtually complete control over the unregenerate person, and the carnal nature will fight for control in the life of the believer who is not entirely sanctified. But we are dead to sin!
Paul’s admonition in Romans 6:12-14 make it clear that the believer, even the entirely sanctified Christian, must still reject the temptations of sin and choose the way of righteousness. Yet we gloriously free from sin!
Do we truly live like spiritually free men and women?
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, thank you for the glorious freedom purchased on Calvary by your son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. May we live in that freedom, rejoicing, honoring your name with our righteous deeds. Amen.