Understanding the Gospel’s Call to New Life
The message of Romans 6:1, 11—”Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? . . . Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord”—calls us to a profound transformation. It is not merely a declaration of theological principles but a vibrant challenge to live a new life, one that mirrors the power and purpose of the gospel.
The Analogy of Death and Resurrection
When Paul speaks of being “planted” or “buried” with Christ, he employs vivid imagery to convey an essential gospel truth: redemption from sin. These are not merely poetic devices, but powerful metaphors that illustrate the transformative power of grace. Just as Christ died for sin, so the believer, through faith, is called to die to sin. This death is not physical, but spiritual—a severing of ties with the dominion of sin.
Conversely, just as Christ rose to a new and infinitely glorious life, the believer is called to rise into a life that reflects purity, holiness, and alignment with God’s will. This is not a mere moral adjustment but a fundamental reorientation of the soul—a shifting from darkness to light and from bondage to freedom.
What Does It Mean to Be Dead to Sin?
To be “dead to sin” is to be free from its mastery. This implies that sin once held power over us—a power that dictated our actions, thoughts, and desires. However, through Christ, we are liberated from this control. Sin no longer has the authority to govern our lives.
It is crucial to note that this death to sin is not something we achieve on our own. Christ’s death on the cross was not simply a symbolic gesture; it was a definitive act that abolished the power of sin over all who believe in Him. Yet, while sin was never Christ’s master—He was without sin and therefore free from its dominion—His death served as a means of breaking its hold over humanity. He died to create a moral and spiritual power capable of transforming hearts and severing the love of sin.
Breaking Sympathy with Sin
To die to sin also means to be divorced from all sympathy with sin. This is a profound shift, for it is one thing to resist sin outwardly and another to have no inward draw to it. The grace of Christ sets the believer free not only from sin’s penalty but also from its allure. This transformation is not merely external reform but an internal renewal—a heart that now finds its joy and satisfaction in God rather than in the fleeting pleasures of sin.
For the Christian, the power of sin is replaced by the power of grace. This grace does not merely suppress sin; it eradicates the root of sin’s control. It implants in the believer a new nature, one that delights in righteousness and seeks to glorify God in all things.
Alive unto God through Jesus Christ
The death to sin is only one side of the coin. The other is being “alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” If death to sin represents a kind of burial, then life unto God is the resurrection. This new life is characterized by holiness, purity, and a vibrant relationship with the Creator.
To be “alive unto God” is to live in the fullness of His presence and purpose. It means walking in obedience, not out of compulsion but out of love and gratitude. It is a life empowered by the Holy Spirit, one that bears the fruits of righteousness and demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel to the world.
A Life Rooted in Grace
This new life is not rooted in human effort. Paul reminds us that the same grace that sets us free from sin is the grace that empowers us to live for God. It is through Christ, by the Spirit, that we are enabled to walk in this newness of life. This is why Paul says, “reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God.” It is a conscious acknowledgment and embracing of this new identity—a turning away from the old and a stepping into the new.
Practical Implications of Dying to Sin
The call to be dead to sin and alive to God has profound implications for daily living. It is not merely a theological or spiritual concept but a practical reality that shapes how we think, act, and relate to others.
· Renewed Mind: Being dead to sin means rejecting sinful thoughts and desires. This requires a transformation of the mind, as Paul later writes in Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
· Pursuit of Holiness: A life alive to God is marked by the pursuit of holiness. This includes cultivating virtues such as love, patience, kindness, and self-control, and actively resisting temptations.
· Freedom from Guilt: Understanding that sin no longer has dominion over us allows believers to walk in freedom from guilt and condemnation. Christ’s atonement is sufficient, and His grace is greater than our failures.
· Mission and Witness: Living as one dead to sin and alive to God is a powerful witness to others. It demonstrates the reality of the gospel’s transformative power and invites others to experience the same freedom.
Conclusion: Walking in Resurrection Power
Romans 6 challenges us to embrace the full implications of the gospel—not only the forgiveness of sins but also the power to live in victory over sin. To be dead to sin is to reject its dominion and to renounce its claims over our lives. To be alive unto God is to walk in the light of His grace, empowered by His Spirit, and reflecting His glory.
Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are given a new identity, a new purpose, and a new life. This is the essence of the gospel: freedom from the chains of sin and the invitation to walk in the abundant life that God has prepared for us. Let us, therefore, live as those who are truly dead to sin and alive unto God, embracing the fullness of His love and grace for His glory and our eternal joy.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 