If grace covers all sins, why not keep sinning?
1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Romans 6:1-5 (NIV)
Romans 6:1 poses a significant question following the declaration that righteousness in the gospel is received through grace rather than earned through moral effort. This concept, which contrasts with other religious and philosophical systems, raises the issue: “If our deeds do not save us, what motivates moral living, and does this not promote sin, assuming grace will cover all transgressions?” Paul counters this by emphatically stating, “By no means!” (Rom.6:2), indicating that such a view arises from a fundamental misunderstanding of the gospel’s nature.
This chapter hinges on the notion that Christians “died to sin,” which we should clarify what it does not mean. It does not suggest that Christians no longer desire to sin, as ongoing temptations and struggles with sin are acknowledged in later verses and chapters. Nor does it imply a gradual distancing from sin, or merely a renouncement during rites like baptism.
“Died to sin” primarily means that sin no longer holds the ruling power over Christians. But sin can still influence and cause struggle. For example, when the Allies won World War II as they captured Berlin and Hitler died on April 30, 1945. But the deposed yet disruptive guerilla force of the Nazis fought on for a while longer. While they cannot regain control, it can still challenge the new governing power—but the Nazi’s absolute authority is broken.
So having “died to sin” does not mean that sin is no longer within you, or that it has no more power and influence within you. It does. But sin no longer can dictate to you. Though you may obey it and though (the Bible predicts) you will obey it, the fact remains that you no longer have to obey it. You have died to it; it can be dead to you. “How can we”—and why would we—“live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:2).
Paul further explains that this death to sin occurs through baptism into Christ Jesus, which symbolizes immersion into his death (Rom.6:3). This baptism is not merely a physical act but points to a spiritual reality—union with Christ. This union implies that believers share in both Christ’s death and his resurrection. Just as Christ’s death led to his resurrection, Christians are called to a new life free from sin’s dominance (Rom.6:4). This transformative union assures believers of a new life that mirrors Christ’s resurrected life (Rom.6:5), suggesting not just a future hope but a present reality.
In light of the fact that you have “died to sin,” what specific steps can you take to actively resist sin’s influence and pursue holiness in your thoughts, words, and actions?
[The ideas for this week’s materials on Romans 6:1-14 were drawn from Tim Keller’s book “Romans 1-7 for You“]
In light of the fact that I have “died to sin,” there are some specific steps I can take to actively resist sins influence and pursue holiness in my thoughts, words, and actions. The 12 steps of AA are very helpful here, and, in actuality, steps 4 through 9 are really all about this. In step 4, we make a thorough moral inventory- a process by which we examine ourselves and recognize our sin at its root. In step 5, we admit to these sins, and confess them to God and another person. When darkness is exposed to light, it begins to dissipate. In steps 6 and 7, we become willing to have God remove the sin from us, and then humbly ask Him to do so. Steps 8 and 9 involve a willingness to make amends to those we’ve harmed followed up by taking the action to do so. Of course, as always, I would say that most importantly, we continue to draw closer to God through His Word and in prayer, that we would remain in reliance on His power to change our hearts, (which is in reality the ongoing practice of steps 1 to 3, as well as 10 to 11, and ultimately, step 12). I like how today’s reading pointed out, “So having ‘died to sin’ does not mean that sin is no longer within you, or that it has no more power and influence within you. It does. But sin no longer can dictate to you. Though you may obey it and though (the Bible predicts) you will obey it, the fact remains that you no longer have to obey it. You have died to it; it can be dead to you. ‘How can we’—and why would we—’live in it any longer?’ (Romans 6:2).”
This is an important point. As believers, at least on this side of heaven, we will struggle with sin. Lord knows I do! That sin, however, no longer has complete and ultimate dominion over us- herein lies the hope we have of the resurrected life. Thanks be to God!
Several of my earlier comments touch on this same question. The journey goes through stages: first I started from a state where I’m not aware of my sins – oh I know about sins and I’m am have a strong sense of morality but I’m still not aware of my sins and it’s easy to justify sins that “doesn’t hurt anyone else” (it should be qualified with – that I know of). Then as my relationship with the Lord deepens I recognize His voice and I am aware of my sins – I died to my sins – and now I know when I chose sins over what I should be doing – now it is true free will and I’m not a slave to sins but I feel this is so much worse as the temptations are so strong that I would knowingly disobey God…how evil am I? But each time I repent God judge my sincerity and He forgave me. Because I love Him, disobeying Him become more and more painful until I imagine the point where the temptation could not pull me away from God’s loving arms.
So how do I exercise that resistance? It is through daily devotion and daily practice of prayers and reading His words and looking for His presence and walking by His side to join in His works. Keeping myself busy to deepen my relationship with Him so that my time is full of Him and leaving no cracks in the armor He gives me to shield me from sins temptations.