A Crucial Turning Point in the Christian Journey
Romans chapter 6 is one of the most profound chapters in the New Testament. It bridges the deep theological insights of Paul’s teachings on grace (Romans 1–5) with the practical lifestyle expected of those who believe. In this chapter, Apostle Paul tackles a controversial and misunderstood question: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” This chapter doesn’t just answer the question—it unveils the Christian’s new identity, responsibility, and power through union with Christ.
1. The Foundation of the Conversation: Four Transformative Questions
Romans 6 opens with four penetrating questions that set the tone for the rest of the chapter:
- “What shall we say then?” (v.1) – A reflective prompt based on the grace explained in previous chapters.
- “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” (v.1) – The misconception that grace is a license for sin.
- “How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (v.2) – A moral contradiction: living in sin after supposedly dying to it.
- “Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (v.3) – A theological truth: baptism unites us with Christ in His death.
These questions serve to dismantle false assumptions and open the reader’s heart to a deeper understanding of grace—not as an excuse, but as an empowerment for righteous living.
2. Baptism and Identity: Dead to Sin, Alive to Christ
Paul’s metaphor of baptism (vv. 3–5) is not symbolic alone; it represents a spiritual transformation. Baptism is the believer’s identification with:
- Christ’s death – The old self, governed by sin, is crucified with Christ.
- Christ’s burial – Our past is buried, and we are no longer enslaved to sin’s memory.
- Christ’s resurrection – We rise to a new life that mirrors Christ’s victorious life.
Paul then declares in verse 4:
“…that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
This newness of life is the divine life now made available to every believer through the resurrection power of Christ. It’s not a call to strive harder, but to live from a new identity that has been freely given.
3. The Call to Reckon: Embracing the New Reality
Romans 6:6–11 shifts from theological truth to practical application. Paul introduces a key word: “reckon” (v.11), meaning to count, consider, or accept as true.
- “Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (v.11)
This is not a feeling but a faith-based decision. Even if temptations persist, believers are to stand on the truth that they are no longer slaves to sin. They are no longer under sin’s dominion. This reckoning requires mental renewal and spiritual alignment with God’s Word.
The Christian life begins with believing what God has said is already true about you.
4. Responsibility and Presentation: Choosing Whom You Serve
Paul presses further in verses 12–14, emphasizing personal responsibility:
- “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body…”
- “Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness…”
- “Present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead…”
This is a powerful revelation. Though we’ve been freed from sin’s power, we must choose daily whether we offer our bodies and lives to sin or to righteousness. The power of sin has been broken, but the presentation is our choice.
Paul assures us:
“Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” (v.14)
Grace does not excuse sin—it empowers the believer to live above it. It brings the inner strength and divine enablement to walk in purity, truth, and obedience.
5. Slavery Reimagined: From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of Righteousness
From verse 15 onwards, Paul reintroduces the slavery analogy. This time, he makes it clear: you are always a slave to something—either to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness.
Paul writes:
“You are that one’s slaves whom you obey…” (v.16)
Before Christ, we were slaves to sin—helpless, bound, and lost. But now, by grace, we are empowered to be slaves of righteousness—willing and joyful servants of God.
The transition from sin to righteousness is not a gradual improvement—it is a radical exchange of ownership. God now owns our lives, and we live to serve His will.
6. The End Game: Shame, Holiness, or Death?
In the closing verses (vv.20–23), Paul asks a sobering question:
“What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed?” (v.21)
Sin not only leads to shame, but its ultimate end is death—spiritual separation from God. However, in Christ, the believer is not only freed from sin but also empowered for holiness.
“But now…you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” (v.22)
The choice is clear. Sin may offer fleeting pleasures, but it produces lasting pain and shame. Righteousness may demand sacrifice, but it yields holiness and eternal glory.
Paul concludes powerfully:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (v.23)
Your Response to Grace Defines Your Life
Romans 6 reveals that grace is not a loophole—it is a launchpad. It is the divine empowerment to live in victory over sin, shame, and spiritual death. The chapter calls every believer to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God, to walk boldly in newness of life, and to never again return to the slavery of sin.
If you’ve fallen, don’t run from God—run to Him. There’s forgiveness, healing, and restoration through Jesus. The blood of Christ still cleanses. The newness of life is still available.
So, choose grace. Choose righteousness. Choose to walk in the life that Christ died to give you.
