Dead to Sin, Alive to God
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, 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.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Before the Review
Meaning of the Title
Romans is the traditional English title for Paul's Epistle to the Romans.
- Greek: Pros Romaious ("To the Romans")
- Latin: Ad Romanos ("To the Romans")
The title simply identifies the recipients: the Christian communities in the city of Rome.
Romans 6 itself has no independent title in the original text, but a traditional thematic title might be:
"Dying and Rising with Christ"
or
"Freedom from Sin's Dominion."
Short Introduction to Romans 6
Romans 6 stands at the center of Paul's argument about salvation.
In Romans 1–5, Paul has argued that justification comes through faith rather than through works of the Law. A natural objection immediately arises:
If grace forgives sin, why not sin more and receive more grace?
Romans 6 is Paul's answer.
The chapter is not primarily about forgiveness but about transformation. Paul argues that Christians do not merely receive a legal acquittal; they enter into Christ's death and resurrection. Baptism symbolizes and effects participation in a new mode of existence.
This chapter became enormously influential in Christian theology, especially in debates concerning:
- baptism,
- sanctification,
- free will,
- grace,
- moral transformation,
- and the nature of Christian freedom.
It is one of the earliest and most influential discussions of personal identity in Western religious thought: Who are you after conversion?
Romans 6 in Three Sections
First Third (6:1–7)
Conversational Paraphrase
You might think grace encourages carelessness:
"If God forgives everything, why not keep sinning?"
Paul answers: absolutely not.
Something decisive has happened. Through baptism you were united with Christ. Christ died; therefore your old self died with him. The person enslaved to sin has been crucified.
You cannot continue living as though nothing happened. A death has occurred. The old master no longer possesses legal authority.
The Christian life begins with recognizing that the former self has already been buried.
Second Third (6:8–14)
Conversational Paraphrase
Since Christ rose from the dead and will never die again, those united with him participate in that same life.
Paul tells believers to think differently about themselves. Stop viewing yourself as someone trapped under sin's authority.
You now belong to another kingdom.
Your body becomes a battlefield. Every action presents itself either to sin or to God.
The question is not whether you serve something. The question is whom you serve.
Grace is not permission to sin. Grace is liberation from sin's rule.
Final Third (6:15–23)
Conversational Paraphrase
Paul anticipates another objection:
"If we're not under Law, does that mean obedience no longer matters?"
Again: absolutely not.
Everyone serves a master.
You either become increasingly shaped by sin, producing corruption and death, or increasingly shaped by obedience, producing holiness and life.
Paul acknowledges the limitations of human language and uses slavery imagery because it vividly communicates allegiance and mastery.
The chapter culminates with one of Christianity's most famous contrasts:
Sin pays wages.
God gives gifts.
Death is earned.
Life is bestowed.
1. Author Bio
Paul the Apostle (c. AD 5–64/67)
- Jewish apostle from Tarsus.
- Educated within the Pharisaic tradition.
- Converted after an experience of the risen Christ (c. AD 33–36).
- Major influences:
- Hebrew Scriptures.
- Teachings concerning Jesus Christ preserved in the earliest Christian communities.
Paul's letters (c. AD 48–67) are the earliest surviving Christian writings.
2. Overview / Central Question
(a) Genre and Length
- Epistolary prose.
- One chapter (23 verses).
(b) Entire Chapter in ≤10 Words
Grace liberates believers from sin's mastery and destiny.
(c) Roddenberry Question: “What's this story really about?”
Can a person genuinely become someone new, or are we forever ruled by our old nature?
Romans 6 argues that grace is not merely pardon but participation in a new reality. Through union with Christ, believers undergo a symbolic and spiritual death. Sin's authority is broken, though struggle remains. The chapter explores whether transformation is truly possible and what freedom actually means.
2A. Plot Summary of the Chapter
Paul begins by confronting a misunderstanding of grace. If grace increases where sin increases, some might conclude that continued sinning is advantageous. Paul rejects this logic because baptism signifies participation in Christ's death.
He then explains that believers are united with Christ in both death and resurrection. The "old self" has been crucified so that slavery to sin may cease.
The argument moves from identity to practice. Since believers belong to a new realm, they must no longer offer themselves as instruments of sin but as instruments of righteousness.
The chapter concludes with a contrast between two masters. Service to sin culminates in death; service to God culminates in holiness and eternal life.
4. How This Chapter Engages the Great Conversation
Romans 6 addresses a permanent human question:
Can moral transformation actually occur?
Pressure behind the chapter:
- Human beings repeatedly fail their own standards.
- Forgiveness alone appears insufficient.
- The problem is not merely guilt but bondage.
Paul's answer is radical:
People require not only pardon but a new identity grounded in participation in Christ.
5. Condensed Analysis
What problem is this thinker trying to solve, and what kind of reality must exist for their solution to make sense?
Problem
If salvation comes by grace, why obey at all?
More deeply:
Can freedom exist if human beings remain internally enslaved?
Core Claim
Believers participate in Christ's death and resurrection.
This changes their relationship to sin.
Paul supports this through baptismal symbolism and the concept of union with Christ.
Opponent
Two opponents stand in view:
- Antinomianism ("Grace permits continued sin.")
- Sin as an unavoidable master.
Paul rejects both.
Breakthrough
The innovation is the idea that salvation is not merely judicial.
It is participatory.
The believer enters a new mode of existence.
Cost
This position requires abandoning self-sovereignty.
Freedom is redefined as service to God.
The old identity must die.
One Central Passage
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (6:23)
Why pivotal?
Because it summarizes the entire chapter's contrast between earned consequence and divine gift.
8. Dramatic & Historical Context
Date
Romans was written c. AD 56–58.
Location
Probably written from Corinth during Paul's third missionary journey.
Historical Setting
- Reign of Nero (AD 54–68).
- Christianity was expanding throughout the Roman Empire.
- Questions concerning Law, grace, and Gentile inclusion were intensely debated.
Romans 6 addresses concerns emerging from Paul's proclamation of justification by faith.
9. Section Overview
| Section |
Theme |
| 6:1–7 |
Death with Christ |
| 6:8–14 |
Life with Christ |
| 6:15–23 |
Two masters, two destinies |
10. Targeted Engagement
Romans 6:3–5 — Union Through Death and Resurrection
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"
Paraphrased Summary
Paul presents baptism as participation in Christ's story. Believers enter symbolically into Christ's death and burial. Yet death is not the endpoint. Resurrection follows. Christian ethics emerges from identity rather than mere command.
Main Claim
The Christian life begins with participation, not imitation.
One Tension
Does Paul describe baptism primarily as symbol, sacrament, spiritual reality, or all three?
This question generated centuries of theological debate.
11. Vital Glossary
Hamartia (sin)
Greek: hamartia
Originally:
"missing the mark."
In Paul it becomes almost a technical term describing both sinful acts and the ruling power of Sin.
Dikaiosyne (righteousness)
Greek: dikaiosyne
Justice, right standing, covenant faithfulness.
A major technical theological term throughout Christian history.
Charis (grace)
Greek: charis
Gift, favor, generosity.
One of the central technical terms of Christian theology.
Baptisma (baptism)
Greek: baptisma
From bapto ("to dip, immerse").
Originally an ordinary term.
Later became a technical ecclesiastical term.
Doulos (slave/servant)
Greek: doulos
A bond-servant or slave.
Paul uses it metaphorically for complete allegiance.
Zoe Aionios (eternal life)
Greek: zoe aionios
Not merely endless duration but participation in divine life.
A major theological expression in Christianity.
12. Deeper Significance
Romans 6 helped shape later discussions by:
- Augustine of Hippo on grace and sin.
- Martin Luther on faith and sanctification.
- John Calvin on union with Christ.
- Modern discussions of identity and moral transformation.
16. Reference-Bank of Quotations
1. Romans 6:1
"Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
Paraphrase: Does grace encourage moral carelessness?
Commentary: Introduces the chapter's central challenge.
2. Romans 6:2
"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"
Paraphrase: A dead person cannot continue the old life.
Commentary: The chapter's decisive rejection.
3. Romans 6:3
"As many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death."
Paraphrase: Baptism joins believers to Christ's death.
Commentary: Foundation of Paul's argument.
4. Romans 6:4
"We are buried with him by baptism into death."
Paraphrase: The old existence is laid in the grave.
Commentary: Burial imagery deepens participation.
5. Romans 6:5
"We shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."
Paraphrase: Resurrection follows union with Christ.
Commentary: Transformation is the goal.
6. Romans 6:6
"Our old man is crucified with him."
Paraphrase: The former self has been executed.
Commentary: One of Paul's strongest identity statements.
7. Romans 6:11
"Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin."
Paraphrase: Adopt this new identity consciously.
Commentary: Theology becomes practice.
8. Romans 6:13
"Yield yourselves unto God."
Paraphrase: Present your life to God's service.
Commentary: Ethical turning point.
9. Romans 6:14
"Sin shall not have dominion over you."
Paraphrase: Sin's rule has been broken.
Commentary: One of the chapter's most hopeful declarations.
10. Romans 6:16
"To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are."
Paraphrase: Habit creates allegiance.
Commentary: Human beings inevitably serve something.
11. Romans 6:18
"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."
Paraphrase: Freedom creates a new loyalty.
Commentary: Paul's paradoxical view of freedom.
12. Romans 6:19
"Yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."
Paraphrase: Train the body toward virtue.
Commentary: Spiritual transformation is embodied.
13. Romans 6:21
"What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?"
Paraphrase: What lasting good came from sin?
Commentary: An appeal to moral memory.
14. Romans 6:22
"Now being made free from sin, and become servants to God..."
Paraphrase: A new master produces a new future.
Commentary: Transition toward eternal life.
15. Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Paraphrase: Death is earned; life is given.
Commentary: The chapter's most famous line.
18. Famous Words
Several expressions from Romans 6 have entered Christian vocabulary:
- "Dead to sin"
- "Buried with him by baptism"
- "Old man"
- "Sin shall not have dominion over you"
- "Servants/slaves of righteousness"
- "The wages of sin is death"
- "The gift of God is eternal life"
The final phrase, "the wages of sin is death," is among the most widely quoted lines in all Pauline literature.
19. Direct References and Antecedents
Old Testament / Jewish Antecedents
Romans 6 contains no explicit quotation formula ("it is written"), but its concepts draw heavily from:
- Genesis 2–3 (sin and death entering human experience)
- Ezekiel 18:4 ("the soul that sins shall die")
- Psalm 1 (two ways motif)
- Deuteronomy 30:15–20 (life versus death)
- Exodus (deliverance from slavery as a model for liberation)
Direct New Testament Parallels and Reuses
Romans
- Romans 5:12–21 (sin and death)
- Romans 7:1–25 (slavery and liberation)
- Romans 8:1–17 (life in the Spirit)
Gospels
- Matthew 6:24 ("No man can serve two masters.")
- John 8:34–36 ("everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin")
Pauline Letters
- Galatians 2:19–20
- Galatians 5:1
- Colossians 2:12
- Colossians 3:1–4
- Ephesians 4:22–24
General Epistles
- 1 Peter 2:24
- 1 Peter 4:1–2
Final Mental Anchor
Romans 6 = "Identity precedes conduct."
Paul's central insight is not merely "stop sinning."
It is:
Become who you already are in Christ.
That is the chapter's enduring power and the reason readers continue returning to it across centuries. The deepest question is whether human beings can truly be transformed. Romans 6 answers with one of Christianity's boldest claims: death to the old self makes a genuinely new life possible.