What About SIN? Romans pt 7
What About SIN?
As we delve into the depths of Romans 6, we find ourselves confronted with a paradox that has puzzled believers for centuries: How can we be dead to sin, yet still struggle with it daily? This question isn't just academic; it strikes at the heart of our Christian walk and challenges our understanding of grace, faith, and obedience.
The apostle Paul opens this chapter with a startling question: "Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply?" His answer is swift and unequivocal: "Absolutely not!" But why pose such a question in the first place? It stems from the human tendency to look for loopholes, to push the boundaries of grace. If grace abounds where sin increases, wouldn't more sin lead to more grace?
Paul's response cuts to the core of our identity in Christ. He reminds us that in baptism, we have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This isn't mere symbolism; it's a profound spiritual reality. Our "old self" has been crucified with Christ, rendering the body ruled by sin powerless. We are no longer slaves to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Yet, if we're honest, this doesn't always align with our experience. We still face temptation, we still stumble, we still sin. How do we reconcile this with Paul's declaration that we are "freed from sin"? The key lies in understanding the difference between our position in Christ and our daily practice.
Our position in Christ is secure. We have been justified, declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus. This is an unchanging reality, as immovable as the cross itself. Our practice, however, is a journey of growth and transformation. We are called to "consider [ourselves] dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus" and to "not let sin reign in [our] mortal body."
This tension between our position and practice leads us to grapple with some challenging questions:
1. What is the line between works and obedience?
2. What must one do to be saved?
These questions have divided believers and denominations for centuries. Some emphasize "believe only," citing John 3:16 and Acts 16:31. Others stress the need for repentance and baptism, pointing to Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38. Still others focus on strict adherence to religious traditions and moral codes.
But perhaps we're asking the wrong questions. What if salvation isn't about a checklist of actions or beliefs, but about a relationship? What if our approach to eternity isn't about making heaven our home and staying out of hell, but about seeing the wonder and glory of God and desiring to be in relationship with Him?
When we shift our perspective in this way, everything changes. Repentance is no longer a work we perform to earn salvation; it's a natural response to encountering God's love and holiness. Baptism isn't a ritual we undergo to tick a box; it's an outward expression of an inward transformation. Obedience isn't a burden we bear to maintain our salvation; it's the fruit of a deepening love for Christ.
This understanding frees us from the paralysis of perfectionism and the despair of repeated failure. It allows us to see our ongoing struggle with sin not as evidence of our lack of salvation, but as an opportunity to depend more fully on God's grace and to grow in Christlikeness.
However, this freedom comes with responsibility. Paul exhorts us, "Do not offer any parts of [your body] to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness." Our freedom from sin's dominion is not a license to sin, but an empowerment to live for God.
As we navigate this journey, we must be cautious of two extremes. On one hand, we have those who say, "Sin at will, the cross covers it all!" This cheapens grace and ignores the transformative power of the gospel. On the other hand, we have those who burden believers with endless rules and regulations, creating a culture of fear and insecurity. Both extremes miss the heart of the gospel: a loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
So, what does this mean for our daily lives? It means we approach each day not focused on avoiding sin, but on falling deeper in love with Jesus. As we do, obedience becomes not a burden, but a natural outflow of that love. It means we view our struggles with sin not as failures that disqualify us from God's love, but as opportunities to experience His grace anew.
It also challenges us to rethink our approach to evangelism. Too often, we reduce the gospel to a series of questions and a formulaic prayer. But the gospel is so much more than intellectual assent to certain truths or a desire to escape hell. It's an invitation to a transformative relationship with the living God.
Instead of asking people if they know they're sinners or if they want to go to heaven, perhaps we should ask: "Do you see the wonder and glory of God? Do you want to be in relationship with Him? Since hearing the gospel, do you hate your sin and love the Savior?"
As we wrestle with these truths, may we remember Jesus' words in Matthew 4:17: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" This repentance isn't just about feeling sorry for our sins; it's about a complete reorientation of our lives toward God. It's about seeing Him for who He truly is and responding with love, trust, and obedience.
In the end, our victory over sin doesn't come through our own efforts or willpower. It comes through our union with Christ, as we daily die to sin and live to God. May we continually grow in our understanding and experience of this profound truth, allowing it to shape our lives and draw us ever closer to the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.
As we delve into the depths of Romans 6, we find ourselves confronted with a paradox that has puzzled believers for centuries: How can we be dead to sin, yet still struggle with it daily? This question isn't just academic; it strikes at the heart of our Christian walk and challenges our understanding of grace, faith, and obedience.
The apostle Paul opens this chapter with a startling question: "Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply?" His answer is swift and unequivocal: "Absolutely not!" But why pose such a question in the first place? It stems from the human tendency to look for loopholes, to push the boundaries of grace. If grace abounds where sin increases, wouldn't more sin lead to more grace?
Paul's response cuts to the core of our identity in Christ. He reminds us that in baptism, we have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This isn't mere symbolism; it's a profound spiritual reality. Our "old self" has been crucified with Christ, rendering the body ruled by sin powerless. We are no longer slaves to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Yet, if we're honest, this doesn't always align with our experience. We still face temptation, we still stumble, we still sin. How do we reconcile this with Paul's declaration that we are "freed from sin"? The key lies in understanding the difference between our position in Christ and our daily practice.
Our position in Christ is secure. We have been justified, declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus. This is an unchanging reality, as immovable as the cross itself. Our practice, however, is a journey of growth and transformation. We are called to "consider [ourselves] dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus" and to "not let sin reign in [our] mortal body."
This tension between our position and practice leads us to grapple with some challenging questions:
1. What is the line between works and obedience?
2. What must one do to be saved?
These questions have divided believers and denominations for centuries. Some emphasize "believe only," citing John 3:16 and Acts 16:31. Others stress the need for repentance and baptism, pointing to Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38. Still others focus on strict adherence to religious traditions and moral codes.
But perhaps we're asking the wrong questions. What if salvation isn't about a checklist of actions or beliefs, but about a relationship? What if our approach to eternity isn't about making heaven our home and staying out of hell, but about seeing the wonder and glory of God and desiring to be in relationship with Him?
When we shift our perspective in this way, everything changes. Repentance is no longer a work we perform to earn salvation; it's a natural response to encountering God's love and holiness. Baptism isn't a ritual we undergo to tick a box; it's an outward expression of an inward transformation. Obedience isn't a burden we bear to maintain our salvation; it's the fruit of a deepening love for Christ.
This understanding frees us from the paralysis of perfectionism and the despair of repeated failure. It allows us to see our ongoing struggle with sin not as evidence of our lack of salvation, but as an opportunity to depend more fully on God's grace and to grow in Christlikeness.
However, this freedom comes with responsibility. Paul exhorts us, "Do not offer any parts of [your body] to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness." Our freedom from sin's dominion is not a license to sin, but an empowerment to live for God.
As we navigate this journey, we must be cautious of two extremes. On one hand, we have those who say, "Sin at will, the cross covers it all!" This cheapens grace and ignores the transformative power of the gospel. On the other hand, we have those who burden believers with endless rules and regulations, creating a culture of fear and insecurity. Both extremes miss the heart of the gospel: a loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
So, what does this mean for our daily lives? It means we approach each day not focused on avoiding sin, but on falling deeper in love with Jesus. As we do, obedience becomes not a burden, but a natural outflow of that love. It means we view our struggles with sin not as failures that disqualify us from God's love, but as opportunities to experience His grace anew.
It also challenges us to rethink our approach to evangelism. Too often, we reduce the gospel to a series of questions and a formulaic prayer. But the gospel is so much more than intellectual assent to certain truths or a desire to escape hell. It's an invitation to a transformative relationship with the living God.
Instead of asking people if they know they're sinners or if they want to go to heaven, perhaps we should ask: "Do you see the wonder and glory of God? Do you want to be in relationship with Him? Since hearing the gospel, do you hate your sin and love the Savior?"
As we wrestle with these truths, may we remember Jesus' words in Matthew 4:17: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" This repentance isn't just about feeling sorry for our sins; it's about a complete reorientation of our lives toward God. It's about seeing Him for who He truly is and responding with love, trust, and obedience.
In the end, our victory over sin doesn't come through our own efforts or willpower. It comes through our union with Christ, as we daily die to sin and live to God. May we continually grow in our understanding and experience of this profound truth, allowing it to shape our lives and draw us ever closer to the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.
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