Studies in Romans 6:1-7

To me, Romans 6 - 8 is foundational Scripture for proper living in the Christian life. This is the first part of my study on these chapters.

6:1- What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase?

Paul begins a series of questions to teach us about sanctification. This first question arises from his statement back in Rom. 5:20 that says where sin abounds, grace abounds much more.

6:2- May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

The is one of the primary reasons in theory that we should not live in sin, because we have died to it. Paul explains how we have died to to sin verses 3 through 7.

It is a fact that believers have died to sin and it is mentioned also in Rom. 6:11, 7:4-6; Gal. 2:19, Col. 2:20, 3:3; 1 Pet. 2:24

6:3- Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?

Paul believes that this fact should be known by the believer.

Identification is the idea here. If we identify ourselves with Christ, then we are linked to His death on the cross.

6:4- Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

Because of the union in verse 3, Paul says that we are buried with Him. Our death with Christ leads to our new life in Christ since he was raised from the dead. Paul continues on with this in mind.

6:5- For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,

If we are linked with Him in His death - then we are linked with Him in His resurrection.

6:6- knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin;

Here is something else that we should know. Our old self was on the cross with Christ. I believe this self is our inner self that has been cleansed by the Holy Spirit. However our outer self has not changed and is still prone to sinful desires. But with our insides cleaned up, it's possible to control our bodies not to sin.

6:7- for he who has died is freed from sin

A great verse to memorize. And effective for a reminder that we don't have to follow the lusts of the flesh. This ends Paul's explanation of explaining how Christ's death set us free from sin.

** - I hope this study is profitable for your relationship with Christ.