Is it possible to place too much emphasis on faith? Some Christians, wrestling with the persistent presence of sin in their lives and the world, might worry that focusing on faith alone could lead to a lax attitude towards obedience – a concept often labeled "easy believism." The Apostle Paul's faced accusations of preaching a gospel that seemingly allowed believers to "go on sinning so that grace may increase". His response, a resounding denial sets the stage for a profound exploration of how faith actually empowers us to overcome sin.
Romans 6:1-2 NIV [1] What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? [2] By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
The Transformation Through Christ's Death and Resurrection
So, what is the key that unlocks a Christian's ability to walk free from the grip of sin? Paul argues that the answer lies in deeply understanding the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection in our lives. This isn't just a historical event we commemorate; it's a reality that has fundamentally altered who we are. Paul highlights two crucial effects of this faith, specifically in relation to our struggle with sin.
First, believers have "died to sin" because, through faith, their "old self was crucified with him"
Romans 6:6-7 NIV [6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— [7] because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
This "old self," represents that part of our nature utterly inclined towards sin. It’s the dominant, driving force within us that leads us to be deceived by sin and ultimately enslaved to it.
Ephesians 4:17-24 NIV [17] So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. [20] That, however, is not the way of life you learned [21] when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Second, Jesus' resurrection ushered in an entirely new capacity within the believer's being, expressing itself in numerous ways.
Paul talks about it as a liberation from the bondage of sin. This freedom comes from the new life we receive through our union with Christ.
Romans 6:11 NIV In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
We are now under the reign of grace rather than the demands of the Law.
Romans 6:14 NIV For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Knowing More Leads to Living More Fully
The main issue isn't an excess of belief, but rather a lack of understanding. The struggle with sin often stems from failing to fully grasp the immensity of what has been given to us through Christ. It's not about striving harder through our own willpower, but about embracing by faith the reality of our new identity. This transformed life becomes possible when we "count" ourselves to be "dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus".
Romans 6:11 NIV In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
This act of faith, of aligning our understanding with God's truth, is the catalyst for experiencing victory.
Though the world often feels overwhelmed by sin's presence, Your truth, Lord God, pierces through the darkness and speaks directly to our inner being. We are eternally grateful for the glorious reality that in Christ, we are indeed "dead to sin but alive to God" Amen.
Romans 6:1-2 NIV [1] What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? [2] By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
The Transformation Through Christ's Death and Resurrection
So, what is the key that unlocks a Christian's ability to walk free from the grip of sin? Paul argues that the answer lies in deeply understanding the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection in our lives. This isn't just a historical event we commemorate; it's a reality that has fundamentally altered who we are. Paul highlights two crucial effects of this faith, specifically in relation to our struggle with sin.
First, believers have "died to sin" because, through faith, their "old self was crucified with him"
Romans 6:6-7 NIV [6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— [7] because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
This "old self," represents that part of our nature utterly inclined towards sin. It’s the dominant, driving force within us that leads us to be deceived by sin and ultimately enslaved to it.
Ephesians 4:17-24 NIV [17] So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. [20] That, however, is not the way of life you learned [21] when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Second, Jesus' resurrection ushered in an entirely new capacity within the believer's being, expressing itself in numerous ways.
Paul talks about it as a liberation from the bondage of sin. This freedom comes from the new life we receive through our union with Christ.
Romans 6:11 NIV In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
We are now under the reign of grace rather than the demands of the Law.
Romans 6:14 NIV For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Knowing More Leads to Living More Fully
The main issue isn't an excess of belief, but rather a lack of understanding. The struggle with sin often stems from failing to fully grasp the immensity of what has been given to us through Christ. It's not about striving harder through our own willpower, but about embracing by faith the reality of our new identity. This transformed life becomes possible when we "count" ourselves to be "dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus".
Romans 6:11 NIV In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
This act of faith, of aligning our understanding with God's truth, is the catalyst for experiencing victory.
Though the world often feels overwhelmed by sin's presence, Your truth, Lord God, pierces through the darkness and speaks directly to our inner being. We are eternally grateful for the glorious reality that in Christ, we are indeed "dead to sin but alive to God" Amen.
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