For some reason I have been thinking about Romans 6 quite a bit lately. I did a lengthy discussion of it at the University in Lethem and then used it as the basis for a Bible Study class in Georgetown on Wednesday night. There is a lot of meat on these verses! Romans is arguably the most complex of Paul’s writings and deals with some very deep issues like redemption, justification and righteousness. But these verses at the beginning of chapter 6 say so much. I think I will post a few articles on the different aspects of this chapter.
Sin & Grace from Romans 6:1
The thought with which Paul begins the chapter actually begins in chapter 5. (1)Any time you see the word “wherefore” or “therefore” look back and find his thought. The reason for what he is now saying has already been stated. Romans 5:20 is the key, “Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” God never left man without hope. Grace was always present in some form. As we came to know sin through the Law of Moses, ample grace was available to serve God’s purpose of our salvation. Of course salvation never came through the Law alone. It took the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary to complete the redemptive process. But there was never more sin than grace!
But some imaginary reader might argue that since more sin brought more grace, and grace was a good thing, maybe we just need to keep sinning so grace will continue to multiply! It seems a foolish idea but evidently the Holy Spirit thought Paul should address it. His answer is a stunning “God forbid!” (KJV)
Death & Sin from Romans 6:2
Paul offers a powerful rebuke to those who want to claim Jesus as their Savior but continue to live worldly: “…How can we who died to sin still live in it? This is a rhetorical question. The answer is obvious – we cannot. But I am convinced that herein lies one of the greatest challenges the Christian faces.
Have you known someone who professes a faith in Christ yet lives like the world? There is no objective difference between them and the non-believer. How such a duel life possible? Well, of course, it is not possible. The child of God does sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:10) but he does not live in sin. His intent is to serve his Lord and his sin is almost incidental to his life (2)Do not take this to mean that it is not important, it is, but it is not the primary goal or function of his life. and is not a major characteristic. He is “walking in the light” but still stumbles. His sins are forgiven (1 John 1:5-10).
In Matthew 8:22 Jesus told a man to “leave the dead to bury their own dead.” Of course, that cannot happen because a dead man does nothing. Likewise, the Christian who is dead to sin does not do it any longer. The ideal church is actually represented by a graveyard of dead sinners who now live unto Christ. Because I am dead to sin, its power over me is gone. What a great opening from Paul and he is just getting started!
Stay with us as we work through Romans 6. If you haven’t done so already, please subscribe through one of the options above. As always, I would love to hear your comments.
11 comments On Romans 6
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The scriptures doesn’t contradict themselves, so lets examine the scriptures a little further. A child of God does not sin! When one obeys the word of God, its through his/her obedience to the word of God. We still have sin present in our members, but they are inactive. Jesus said, we can’t serve two masters. Matthew 6:24. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon”.
The Law was given to Israel because of transgression til the seed come. That seed was Christ! When Christ came and died the Law was taking away and the New Covenant was given to all nations under heaven, Read Galatians 3:16-19. Faith was not by the law! Paul said in Romans 4:14 “For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect.” All sinned because of Adam’s transgression. Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Until the law sin was in the world: but sin was not imputed because there was no law, Verse 13. Paul said, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, Verse 14.
Lets take another look at the scriptures. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. All were under sin, but not all were given the oracles of God. The Law was given to Israel! But Paul said both Jews and Gentiles were all under sin. Romans 3:9. ” What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;” Read Verses 10-18 and you can see this is not talking about faith in Christ Jesus. Paul said, that what things was said by the law, it said to them who were under the law. No flesh was justified in Gods sight by the law: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God is manifested without the law, and was witnessed by the law and the prophets. Christ Jesus died for the sins of the whole world and righteousness of God is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all that believe: for there is no difference: For all sinned because of Adam’s transgression in the garden. Read very carefully Romans 3:19-31. All are in sin until they obey from the heart that form of doctrine, Roman 6:12-17.
Now lets look at 1 John 1:10 “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” We all sinned because of Adam’s transgression! Eternal life is in the Son Jesus Christ, Verses 1-9. We are baptized into Christ to put on Christ and have out pass sins that came by Adam be forgiven!
Now read Romans 6:1-12 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. A Child of God has sin; but we don’t sin!! Whosoever abideth in Christ Jesus sinneth not. He that committeth sin is of the devil. A child of God is born of God and does not commit sin; as long as the word of God remains in him/her, 1 John 3:1-10.
Example: I have a set of Van keys on my kitchen table, but they are not in use as long as they are on my kitchen table. As long as we what in Christ we will not sin!
Thelma Maynard
Hi Thelma,
Thanks for dropping by. I hope you will come often and leave comments.
Are you suggesting that we become sinless and that we cannot sin? There is a great difference between saying one does not sin and one cannot sin. We indeed can sin. That’s the beauty of the 1 John 1 passage. As we sin, and we will, the blood of Jesus is constantly cleansing us from that sin.
I’m pretty sure I disagree with you comments regarding Adamic sin. I have sin because I sin, not because Adam sinned. Sin is not genetic. When the first couple sinned in Eden it unleashed a horrible effect upon all the world.and I sinned because I surrendered myself to that sin.
If sin is genetic and all are sinful because of Adam then salvation must also be genetic and all are saved because of Christ. I don’t think you want to argue for universalism. In all things I have a choice to make. I can choose to respond to God who, through his word, has called me and told me of his love, or I can choose to ignore him and remain embroiled in my sins. But the choice is mine. Salvation is not forced upon me.
Now, ideally the Christian certainly does not sin. God calls us through Jesus to a life of righteousness and purity. We walk in the light. That’s our goal but sometimes we stumble. In those cases the blood of Jesus cleanses us. But we can be rebellious and we can walk away from God and be lost (Hebrews 6:4-6 and others).
I pray daily for strength to avoid sin and to respond in a Godly way to its temptations. Sin is real and sin exists for all people. Only in Christ is there forgiveness.
Bryant
Thank you, I will come as often as I can.
No! You can commit Adultery, fornication, uncleanness of any kind, when ever you want, but whos servant will you be, if you do? 1 John 2:16. ” For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” If one sins after obeying the word of God, it is because he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1:13-16. Galatians 5:16. But if you walk in the spirit you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.
You have the right to disagree, but the bible says “by one man sin entered into the world.” Romans 5:12. Who was that man?
We agree fully regarding the matter of sinning after one comes to know the Lord. No question there.
If you are saying that sin is somehow inherited then we absolutely disagree. Sin came into the world through Adam and Eve. That’s true. But to say that somehow their sin makes me guilty is something altogether different and requires a great leap. I sin and am guilty not because of someone else but because of me. I sin and I am guilty. See Ezekiel 18:20. When Adam sinned he opened the door to sin and its influence upon all mankind however the choice remains with the individual.
Otherwise we must conclude that the smallest of children are full of sin even though Jesus said we must be come like a little child (Matthew 18:4; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17; Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16). Also consider Isaiah 7:16 where children reach an age where they choose to do evil. Jeremiah 19:4,5 speak of children as innocents.
Then you must explain how Jesus could be like us and yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He was born of woman and the whole purpose of the incarnation seems to be a need to be like those whom he saves.
I do agree however that you can think whatever you wish but the truth always stands. Perhaps I have misunderstood your thoughts regarding Adamic sin. I hope I have.
Bryant said: If you are saying that sin is somehow inherited then we absolutely disagree. Sin came into the world through Adam and Eve. That’s true. But to say that somehow their sin makes me guilty is something altogether different and requires a great leap. I sin and am guilty not because of someone else but because of me. I sin and I am guilty. See Ezekiel 18:20. When Adam sinned he opened the door to sin and its influence upon all mankind however the choice remains with the individual.
Thelma Said: Bryant, there were no sin in the garden until the transgress of Adam and Eve. Their sin brought sin upon all flesh (mortal flesh has sin), doesn’t mean that they will commit sin! Romans 5:12. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” But sin was not imputed when there is no law. Verse 13-15 “(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” Bryant, some walk by faith as did Abraham, his faith was counted as righteousness, Romans 4:9.
Bryant said: Otherwise we must conclude that the smallest of children are full of sin even though Jesus said we must be come like a little child (Matthew 18:4; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17; Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16). Also consider Isaiah 7:16 where children reach an age where they choose to do evil. Jeremiah 19:4,5 speak of children as innocents.
Thelma said: All were under sin! This is where we have to think! Matthew 18:4 ” Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Shall humble himself” then he must not be as this little child yet! The law was given because of transgression (Sin). Galatians 3:19 “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” Bryant those that were given law and those that had no law if they sinned they will taste the second death! Sin was in the world and no way out until Jesus came and died for the sins of the world. Galatians 3:24 21. “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
Those people had no way out of sin until Christ came and died. But those that would follow he gave them life! Man are still in sin today until they obey that form of doctrine, Romans 6:1=17.
Bryant said:Then you must explain how Jesus could be like us and yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He was born of woman and the whole purpose of the incarnation seems to be a need to be like those whom he saves.
Thelma said: Jesus came from above! Jesus had no sin, he came in like sinful flesh! Read Romans 8:1-8. Verse 3 “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:”
This is all I will be posting for awhile. I came on here, because I thought we were in understanding of the scriptures and thought that you could help me. But you are in need of searching the scriptures. But I will be back from time to time. Please study the scriptures for by the word of God we have eternal life.
By Thelma Maynard
I think we are so close but yet so far. Your cannot escape the conclusion of your argument that Jesus was sinful. To be clear, he came in the likeness of sinful flesh but was not sinful. However if you argue that even the smallest children are sinful then you must include Jesus in that reasoning. While he obviously came from above he was born of women.
The most rational understanding seems to be that sin entered the world and affected it for all times. However sin is not charged until it is committed. Who commits sin? All do. Therefore we are guilty of our own sin.
You seem to be following the teachings of John Calvin and the so-called TULIP. Total Depravity is the first part of that doctrine but has largely been left behind by many. In recent years the “hyper-calvinist” adherents have tried to resurrect it.
We are saved by Jesus Christ who works in us his through his Gospel and will bring us to eternal salvation.
I am sorry you think I need more study but we all do don’t we? When we reach the point that we think we know it all then we fail. Actually, I have helped you because you went to the book to discuss this. I am sorry you are stopping. But anytime we turn to God’s word we profit greatly. Whether you post here or not I pray your continued study in the Word of God.
Hi Bryant, I don’t spin as much time in the Spring and Summer on the computer as I do in the Fall and Winter months and when I joined your board I was studying the subject “members” in Romans 6:13 with another group. You are right we all need much study in order to prove our faith by the scriptures. The Word of God is food for the soul and our armour to fight against the world. I plan to continue to fight the fight. I still plan to post and discuss the bible with you on this board! But sometimes it might take a little longer for me to give a reply. Tomorrow or in the next few days, I plan to post a reply to your last message if time permits me to do so. Yes you have helped me and have brought things back to mind that I haven’t thought on for a while. I pray by continuing our discussions we can be of the same mind and in unity of the scriptures.
Thank you for your thoughts. I sometimes have to slow my work here because of other things happening around me. Don’t worry about any time issues. Just come back when you can. I’ll look forward to your thoughts.
Hi Bryant, I don’t know John Calvin’s belief, my faith comes from the word of God and my answer to your comments is by the word of God!
You said: “Your cannot escape the conclusion of your argument that Jesus was sinful.”. My answer: John the Baptist said in John 3:31 “He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.” The conclusion: Jesus didn’t come from sinful flesh! Mary was a virgin “pure”, not touch by man. Then we must conclude that a miracle took place in order for Jesus to come in the likeness of sinful flesh and die for the sins of the world. Jesus himself said: ” Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.” John 8:2.
You said: ” However if you argue that even the smallest children are sinful then you must include Jesus in that reasoning. While he obviously came from above he was born of women.” My answer: That is not my argument! All that are of the earth is earthly, meaning that all that are of this world came from Adam and were concluded under sin because of Adam’s transgression. Romans 5:14 “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.” They that are of this earth are earthly “they can sin”. You may asked: Could Jesus sin? Jesus said he came to do the will of his Father and the Father said: 2 Samuel 7:14.”I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:” Read 12-16.
Until Children understand right from wrong how can they sin? Under the law children were stoned, because of their disobedience to parents. This was by the Law of Moses!! Read Deuteronomy 21:18-21. “And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.” The Law kept Israel under sin, the Gentiles had no hope or promise. When Jesus came and died all that were still dead in their sin had a chose, who to obey. Jesus became the author to them that obey him. Hebrews 5:8,9 “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”
When Jesus came and died all that were still dead in their sin had a “choice”, who to obey. Jesus became the author to them that obey him. Hebrews 5:8,9 “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”
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