Sanctification thru Death with Christ In order to begin the process of sanctification, we must first reckon ourselves dead to sin. Note that the words “dead, death, died” are used 13 times in Romans 6:1-14. The words “life, live, liveth, alive” occur 5 times in Romans 6:1-14.
Spirit-filled Living Spirit-filled living comes by (1) knowing it (Romans 6:6), (2) reckoning it so (Romans 6:11), (3) yielding to it (Romans 6:13), and (4) obeying Christ Jesus (Romans 6:17) Therefore, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. [168]
[168] Stephen Everett, “Sermon,” Fort Worth, Texas, 1 May 1983.
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Romans 6:1 Comments Paul offers a “claim” and follows it with a “reason” to support this claim. We can imagine that Paul has confronted Jews in the synagogue for years and debated the superiority of the Gospel over the Law. He has been accused of saying that it was permissible to sin because the Jews were no longer under the Law. Therefore, Paul anticipates this argument from his readers and addresses it in advance.
In Romans 6:1 Paul asks the rhetorical question if we should continue in sin now that we are under grace. Paul will proceed to answer his own question by explaining that our desire, or drive, to sin has ceased once we are born again. Our nature has been changed because our hearts are brand new. Our spirit-man now hates to commit sin, as Paul explains in Romans 7:14-25.
Romans 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Romans 6:2 “How shall we, that are dead to sin” - Comments - Romans 3-11 proceed to explain how we are dead to sin.
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death” - Comments The Scriptures teach us about three baptisms: (1) baptism into the body of Christ at the time of salvation, (2) water baptism after conversion, and (3) the baptism in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Romans 6:4 refers to the spiritual baptism into the body of Christ.
Romans 6:4 “that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father” Comments - Note that the epistle of Romans emphasizes the office and ministry of God the Father. Thus, Paul refers to the activity of God the Father in raising Christ from the dead in Romans 6:4. It was the glory of God filled Jesus' tomb and the Spirit of God raised Jesus from the dead. Hence, Romans 8:11, “If the spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead.”
Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Romans 6:4 Comments - Romans 6:4 refers to more than the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul tells the church at Corinth that as Christ became weak and was raised in power, so is the believer raised up together with Him in this power. In this position of identification with Christ is made available the power and anointing that Christ received. Paul refers to this in 2 Corinthians 13:3-4.
2 Corinthians 13:3-4, “Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.”
In 2 Corinthians 13:3-4 Paul was speaking this within the context of the defense of his apostleship, which was evidenced with miracles and signs (2 Corinthians 12:12). Thus, we are raised with Christ to also partake of His anointing, which allows the Holy Spirit to operate through us to work miracles as the Spirit wrought the same through Jesus Christ. This is a part of our resurrection life that Paul is referring to in this chapter in Romans.
2 Corinthians 12:12, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Romans 6:5 Word Study on “planted together” Strong says the Greek word “planted together” ( σύμφυτος ) (G4854) means, “grown along with (connate),” and figuratively, “closely united to.” It also means, “united” ( NIV, Thayer). Note other translations:
Darby, “For if we are become identified with him in the likeness of his death, so also we shall be of his resurrection;”
NAB, “For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.”
TCNT, “If we have become united with him by the act symbolic of his death, surely we shall also become united with him by the act symbolic of his resurrection.”
Weymouth, “For since we have become one with Him by sharing in His death, we shall also be one with Him by sharing in His resurrection.”
Romans 6:5 Comments - How have we been planted together in the likeness of His death? We have been baptized into body of Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:13).
1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Romans 6:6 Comments - Our old man was crucified with Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Galatians 5:24, “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Romans 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Romans 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Romans 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Romans 6:9 “death hath no more dominion over him” Scripture References - Note a similar verse:
Hebrews 2:14-15, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death , that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Romans 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:11 “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves” - Comments - Any time we reckon God’s Word as true by faith, God is asking us to think the way God thinks, although it may appear to be contrary to the way things are in the natural. This is a daily decision that we must make, and we must make it by faith each day of our lives.
Illustration:
Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Romans 6:11 “to be dead indeed unto sin” - Comments - It is no longer your nature to sin, but rather, it is your nature to live for Jesus.
Romans 6:11 “but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” Comments - How are we made alive unto God? This is done so by God’s Spirit that dwells in us:
Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
We live in the spirit:
Galatians 5:25, “If we live in the Spirit , let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Colossians 3:3 - Living Bible, “your real life is in heaven with Christ in God”:
Colossians 3:3-4, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God . When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Scripture References - Note:
John 11:25, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”
Colossians 3:4, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Romans 6:11 Comments -Romans 6:11 is a key verse that summarizes verses 2-10. How do we live this truth? By mortifying the deeds of the flesh, and yielding ourselves as servants of righteousness. Then, death and sin have no more dominion over us.
Romans 8:10, “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”
Note the following translation of Romans 6:11, “Thus also you (plural) yourselves reckon (emphatic) yourselves (to be) dead (plural) indeed with reference to sin and living (alive) with reference to God in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Romans 6:12 Comments - Paul has asked the question if we should continue in sin now that we are under grace (Romans 6:1). Since we have become servants of God, Romans 6:12 says we do not want to give Satan control over our lives again.
When sin reigns, it rules, controls, and influences our lifestyles. A person comes into bondage to a continuous practice of sin. God will make a way to escape so that sin does not have to reign in our lives (1 Corinthians 10:13).
1 Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Romans 6:13 “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin” Comments - We are not give place to a sin. This is different than being in bondage to sin. However, yielding to sin continuously can bring one into bondage to that sin. For example, cigarettes and alcohol are yielded too at first, but after a while, they become bondages of sin.
Romans 6:13 “but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” - Comments - That is, yield your heart, the inner man, to God and offer the members of your physical body in service to God (Romans 12:1).
Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Note that our will is involved as to whether we chose to sin or not. Man has a will, and regardless of all God’s supernatural manifestations and anointings, men can still chose to sin.
Romans 6:11 tells us that we are dead unto sin, but alive unto God.
Romans 6:11, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14 Comments - Sin how the stronger power over our lives when it has dominion (Colossians 1:13).
Colossians 1:13, “ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness , and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”
In order for sin will not have dominion over you, you have to yield your life to God (Romans 6:13), so that you will not be yielding to sin any longer. If sin no longer has dominion over us, and if sin is the root cause of sickness, then sickness no longer has dominion over us.
The Believer’s Life of Justification: Persevering by Being Led by the Spirit We have been declared sinners (Romans 1:18 to Romans 3:20), justified through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21 to Romans 4:25), and positioned under God’s grace (Romans 5:1-21). Paul then explains the process of how we are to walk in our lives (Romans 6:1 to Romans 8:16). We must first reckon ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6:1-14) and free from the Law (Romans 6:15 to Romans 7:6). Paul then takes a moment to explain that the Law is holy as evidenced by our struggle to overcome the very sins that are declared by the Law (Romans 7:7-25). Paul then reveals the secret to walking in the liberty of Christ Jesus, which is found as we learn to be led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-16). We learn from this passage that as we are led by the Holy Spirit we are walking in our justification provided to us by God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son. Thus, justification is maintained by walking in the Spirit, but man returns to condemnation by walking in the flesh.
Outline Here is a proposed outline:
1. Sanctification thru Death with Christ Romans 6:1-14
2. Sanctification thru Liberty In Christ Romans 6:15 to Romans 7:6
3. Sanctification Confirms the Law Romans 7:7-25
4. Sanctification in the Holy Spirit Romans 8:1-16
Six Aspects of the Believer’s Life of Justification - In this passage, we find six things that God has done for us, the Church. Through the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, we were crucified with Him. We also died, were buried, were quickened, were raised, and were seated in the heavenlies with Christ Jesus.
Sanctification thru Liberty In Christ After we reckon ourselves dead unto sin and alive unto God (Romans 6:1-14), we must then understand that we are free from the Law (Romans 6:15 to Romans 7:6).
Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Romans 6:15 Comments Paul offers a “claim” and follows it with a “reason” to support this claim. We can imagine that Paul has confronted Jews in the synagogue for years and debated the superiority of the Gospel over the Law. He has been accused of saying that it was permissible to sin because the Jews were no longer under the Law. Therefore, Paul anticipates this argument from his readers and addresses it in advance.
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 6:16 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey” - Comments We “present” or “yield” ourselves by an act of our own will. Paul will use this Greek word παρι ́ στημι again in Romans 12:1 saying, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 6:16 “whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness” Comments - The phrase “of sin unto death” tells us that a born again believer can become a servant of sin after having been reconciled to God. This bondage to sin will result in death. This means that a person in sin will go to Hell since death in this passage of Scripture refers to spiritual separation from God. The application of the term death is made clear a few verses later in Romans 6:21 by saying that the end of a sinners’ lifestyle before he was saved is death, which means eternal separation from God in Hell. This definition of death stands in direct contrast to eternal life described in Romans 6:22. Thus, the wages of sin, whether as a sinner or a born-again believer, all results in death, according to Romans 6:23. This fact is restated again in Romans 8:13.
Romans 6:21-23, “What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death . What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life . For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 8:13, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 6:17 Word Study on “God be thanked” The Greek construction ( χάριν ἔχω τῷ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ ) or ( χάρις τῷ θεῷ ) [169] or some variation of this phrase is found no less than thirteen times in the Greek New Testament (Luke 17:9, Romans 6:17; Romans 7:25, 1 Corinthians 10:30; 1Co 15:57 , 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 8:16; 2 Corinthians 9:15, Colossians 3:16, 1 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:3, Philemon 1:7 [t.r.], Hebrews 12:28). It is properly translated in a variety of ways; “I am grateful to God,” or “I thank God,” “Let’s give thanks,” or “with thanks to the Lord.”
[169] Kurt Aland, Matthew Black, Carlo M. Martini, Bruce M. Metzger, M. Robinson, and Allen Wikgren, The Greek New Testament, Fourth Revised Edition (with Morphology) (Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1993, 2006), in Libronix Digital Library System, v. 2.1c [CD-ROM] (Bellingham, WA: Libronix Corp., 2000-2004), Romans 6:17.
Romans 6:17 Comments - Servants of sin are those who are enslaved and in bondage to sin. While we were in bondage to sin, we yielded our hearts unto God when we heart the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While we were unable to love and serve Him because of our bondage to a sinful lifestyle. He reached down and set us free (Romans 6:18) and filled us with the Holy Spirit, all because we yielded our hearts to Him while weak and bound.
Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Romans 6:18 Comments How to believers become “slaves of righteousness.” Wayne Johnson gives the example of how he spoke a profane word while a church leader and felt immediate conviction. [170] As God’s children, we fall under immediate conviction when we stumble, while the sinner continues in his sin with joy and indulgences, showing no convictions. As the sinner is in bondage to a lifestyle of sin, God’s children are “bound” by their regenerated spirit and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
[170] Wayne Johnson, “Sunday School Lesson on Romans 6:1-23,” First Assembly of God, Panama City, Florida, 10 October 2010.
Scripture References - Note:
Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Romans 6:19 “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh” - Comments Paul made a similar statement in Romans 3:5, saying, “I speak as a man.” He also uses it in Galatians 3:15, “I speak after the manner of men.”
Paul is teaching a spiritual truth using a natural illustration. In the Roman world that Paul was writing, slavery was a common sight. It was not uncommon to observe a slave being sold to a new master, and receiving new compensation and conditions of service.
Romans 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
Romans 6:21 Comments - This question is asked because Paul wants us to remember the results that sin brought into our lives: distress, anguish, bondage, etc.
Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death” Word Study on “wages” The TDNT says the Greek word ο ̓ ψω ́ νιον literally means, “what is appointed for buying food.” BDAG says it properly means, “ration-(money),” but it is best translated “compensation” in Romans 6:23. Luke and Paul use this word to refer to military wages (Luke 3:14, 1 Corinthians 9:7), and Paul uses it to refer to the compensation he received from churches as a soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:8).
Luke 3:14, “And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.”
1 Corinthians 9:7, “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?”
2 Corinthians 11:8, “I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.”
Comments - The penalty of sin is death. Each person must die for the sins he commits. You can either die in Christ (Romans 6:3), or die in the second death of eternal judgment. The first death is physical death, but the second death is eternal separation from God.
Romans 6:3, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”
Romans 6:23 “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” - Comments - We are no longer in sin, but have been freed from sin. Therefore, we do not have to die for the wages of our sin because we have been made free from sin (Romans 6:22).
Romans 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Romans 7:2 Comments - Romans 7:2 is an example that illustrates Romans 7:1. When a man dies, even the law of marriage is broken.
Romans 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Romans 7:4 “Wherefore, my brethren” - Comments - An analogy is made between Romans 7:3 and Romans 7:4. Jesus and the Jews were bound to the Law like a husband and wife are bound. Only death separates. Jesus died and we died with Jesus, (Romans 6:5-6), so we are loosed from the law.
Romans 6:5-6, “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
Romans 7:4 Comments - Since we died with Jesus (Romans 6:5-6, Galatians 2:20), it is through Jesus that we have died to the law, no longer under its power. Now we can remarry, and the resurrected Jesus is the one to whom we have been given in marriage (2 Corinthians 11:2).
Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
2 Corinthians 11:2, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”
How did we become dead to the Law? By the body of Christ which was sacrificed on Calvary. We were crucified with Jesus on Calvary (Galatians 2:20). There we died, slain by the law.
Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
We were dead in trespasses and sins, held in bondage by the law. In the law of sin and death, we had no hope of coming out by ourselves. Jesus came, took the penalty of sin and death away with Him on the Cross. Therefore, we are no longer in bondage to the Law because it killed us. Now, Jesus makes us alive again, He rose again and took us for His bride. Bless the Lord, Oh, my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!
Illustration - While studying through what Jesus did for us on Calvary, the story never grows old. It is like watching a favorite show on television. Although you know the outcome, you anticipate the danger scenes and when the final victory comes, you sigh and wipe your brow, having been caught up in the action once more.
Scripture References - Note similar verses:
Ephesians 2:15, “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;”
Colossians 2:14, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;”
1 Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Romans 7:5 “For when we were in the flesh” Comment - The word “when” means that we are no longer in the flesh (Romans 8:9).
Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Yet, as Christians “in the flesh,” we can still live “after the flesh.” Note the differences of the two words “in” and “after.”
Romans 8:13, “For if ye live after the flesh , ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
Romans 7:5 “the motions of sins” Comment - The motions of sins refers to fleshy passions towards sins.
Romans 7:5 “which were by the law” Comments - By the law was the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20). That is, sinful passions are realized by the understanding of God’s law of righteous living.
Romans 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin .”
Sin comes through the Law:
1 John 3:4, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
Romans 4:15, “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.”
Therefore, if there is no law, there is no sin. Romans 7:9, “For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.”
Romans 7:5 “did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death” Comments - The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Sin brings forth death (James 1:15). In other words, the fruit of sin is death.
Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
James 1:15, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Romans 7:6 “that we should serve in newness of spirit” Scripture References - Note:
Romans 7:25, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God ; but with the flesh the law of sin.”
Romans 7:1-6 Comments - Dead to the Law - The phrase “the Law” in this passage refers to the Mosaic Law; yet, Gentiles were never under the Mosaic Law. However, the Gentiles had the works of the Law written in their hearts (Romans 2:12-15).
Romans 2:12-15, “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts , their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)”
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Bibliographical Information Everett, Gary H. "Commentary on Romans 6". Everett's Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ghe/romans-6.html. 2013.
Verses 1-14
Sanctification thru Death with Christ In order to begin the process of sanctification, we must first reckon ourselves dead to sin. Note that the words “dead, death, died” are used 13 times in Romans 6:1-14. The words “life, live, liveth, alive” occur 5 times in Romans 6:1-14.
Spirit-filled Living Spirit-filled living comes by (1) knowing it (Romans 6:6), (2) reckoning it so (Romans 6:11), (3) yielding to it (Romans 6:13), and (4) obeying Christ Jesus (Romans 6:17) Therefore, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. [168]
[168] Stephen Everett, “Sermon,” Fort Worth, Texas, 1 May 1983.
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Romans 6:1 Comments Paul offers a “claim” and follows it with a “reason” to support this claim. We can imagine that Paul has confronted Jews in the synagogue for years and debated the superiority of the Gospel over the Law. He has been accused of saying that it was permissible to sin because the Jews were no longer under the Law. Therefore, Paul anticipates this argument from his readers and addresses it in advance.
In Romans 6:1 Paul asks the rhetorical question if we should continue in sin now that we are under grace. Paul will proceed to answer his own question by explaining that our desire, or drive, to sin has ceased once we are born again. Our nature has been changed because our hearts are brand new. Our spirit-man now hates to commit sin, as Paul explains in Romans 7:14-25.
Romans 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Romans 6:2 “How shall we, that are dead to sin” - Comments - Romans 3-11 proceed to explain how we are dead to sin.
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death” - Comments The Scriptures teach us about three baptisms: (1) baptism into the body of Christ at the time of salvation, (2) water baptism after conversion, and (3) the baptism in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Romans 6:4 refers to the spiritual baptism into the body of Christ.
Romans 6:4 “that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father” Comments - Note that the epistle of Romans emphasizes the office and ministry of God the Father. Thus, Paul refers to the activity of God the Father in raising Christ from the dead in Romans 6:4. It was the glory of God filled Jesus' tomb and the Spirit of God raised Jesus from the dead. Hence, Romans 8:11, “If the spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead.”
Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Romans 6:4 Comments - Romans 6:4 refers to more than the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul tells the church at Corinth that as Christ became weak and was raised in power, so is the believer raised up together with Him in this power. In this position of identification with Christ is made available the power and anointing that Christ received. Paul refers to this in 2 Corinthians 13:3-4.
2 Corinthians 13:3-4, “Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.”
In 2 Corinthians 13:3-4 Paul was speaking this within the context of the defense of his apostleship, which was evidenced with miracles and signs (2 Corinthians 12:12). Thus, we are raised with Christ to also partake of His anointing, which allows the Holy Spirit to operate through us to work miracles as the Spirit wrought the same through Jesus Christ. This is a part of our resurrection life that Paul is referring to in this chapter in Romans.
2 Corinthians 12:12, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Romans 6:5 Word Study on “planted together” Strong says the Greek word “planted together” ( σύμφυτος ) (G4854) means, “grown along with (connate),” and figuratively, “closely united to.” It also means, “united” ( NIV, Thayer). Note other translations:
Darby, “For if we are become identified with him in the likeness of his death, so also we shall be of his resurrection;”
NAB, “For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.”
TCNT, “If we have become united with him by the act symbolic of his death, surely we shall also become united with him by the act symbolic of his resurrection.”
Weymouth, “For since we have become one with Him by sharing in His death, we shall also be one with Him by sharing in His resurrection.”
Romans 6:5 Comments - How have we been planted together in the likeness of His death? We have been baptized into body of Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:13).
1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Romans 6:6 Comments - Our old man was crucified with Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Galatians 5:24, “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Romans 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Romans 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Romans 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Romans 6:9 “death hath no more dominion over him” Scripture References - Note a similar verse:
Hebrews 2:14-15, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death , that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Romans 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:11 “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves” - Comments - Any time we reckon God’s Word as true by faith, God is asking us to think the way God thinks, although it may appear to be contrary to the way things are in the natural. This is a daily decision that we must make, and we must make it by faith each day of our lives.
Illustration:
Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Romans 6:11 “to be dead indeed unto sin” - Comments - It is no longer your nature to sin, but rather, it is your nature to live for Jesus.
Romans 6:11 “but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” Comments - How are we made alive unto God? This is done so by God’s Spirit that dwells in us:
Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
We live in the spirit:
Galatians 5:25, “If we live in the Spirit , let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Colossians 3:3 - Living Bible, “your real life is in heaven with Christ in God”:
Colossians 3:3-4, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God . When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Scripture References - Note:
John 11:25, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”
Colossians 3:4, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Romans 6:11 Comments - Romans 6:11 is a key verse that summarizes verses 2-10. How do we live this truth? By mortifying the deeds of the flesh, and yielding ourselves as servants of righteousness. Then, death and sin have no more dominion over us.
Romans 8:10, “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”
Note the following translation of Romans 6:11, “Thus also you (plural) yourselves reckon (emphatic) yourselves (to be) dead (plural) indeed with reference to sin and living (alive) with reference to God in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Romans 6:12 Comments - Paul has asked the question if we should continue in sin now that we are under grace (Romans 6:1). Since we have become servants of God, Romans 6:12 says we do not want to give Satan control over our lives again.
When sin reigns, it rules, controls, and influences our lifestyles. A person comes into bondage to a continuous practice of sin. God will make a way to escape so that sin does not have to reign in our lives (1 Corinthians 10:13).
1 Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Romans 6:13 “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin” Comments - We are not give place to a sin. This is different than being in bondage to sin. However, yielding to sin continuously can bring one into bondage to that sin. For example, cigarettes and alcohol are yielded too at first, but after a while, they become bondages of sin.
Romans 6:13 “but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” - Comments - That is, yield your heart, the inner man, to God and offer the members of your physical body in service to God (Romans 12:1).
Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Note that our will is involved as to whether we chose to sin or not. Man has a will, and regardless of all God’s supernatural manifestations and anointings, men can still chose to sin.
Romans 6:11 tells us that we are dead unto sin, but alive unto God.
Romans 6:11, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14 Comments - Sin how the stronger power over our lives when it has dominion (Colossians 1:13).
Colossians 1:13, “ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness , and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”
In order for sin will not have dominion over you, you have to yield your life to God (Romans 6:13), so that you will not be yielding to sin any longer. If sin no longer has dominion over us, and if sin is the root cause of sickness, then sickness no longer has dominion over us.
Verses 1-23
The Believer’s Life of Justification: Persevering by Being Led by the Spirit We have been declared sinners (Romans 1:18 to Romans 3:20), justified through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21 to Romans 4:25), and positioned under God’s grace (Romans 5:1-21). Paul then explains the process of how we are to walk in our lives (Romans 6:1 to Romans 8:16). We must first reckon ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6:1-14) and free from the Law (Romans 6:15 to Romans 7:6). Paul then takes a moment to explain that the Law is holy as evidenced by our struggle to overcome the very sins that are declared by the Law (Romans 7:7-25). Paul then reveals the secret to walking in the liberty of Christ Jesus, which is found as we learn to be led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-16). We learn from this passage that as we are led by the Holy Spirit we are walking in our justification provided to us by God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son. Thus, justification is maintained by walking in the Spirit, but man returns to condemnation by walking in the flesh.
Outline Here is a proposed outline:
1. Sanctification thru Death with Christ Romans 6:1-14
2. Sanctification thru Liberty In Christ Romans 6:15 to Romans 7:6
3. Sanctification Confirms the Law Romans 7:7-25
4. Sanctification in the Holy Spirit Romans 8:1-16
Six Aspects of the Believer’s Life of Justification - In this passage, we find six things that God has done for us, the Church. Through the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, we were crucified with Him. We also died, were buried, were quickened, were raised, and were seated in the heavenlies with Christ Jesus.
Verses 15-23
Sanctification thru Liberty In Christ After we reckon ourselves dead unto sin and alive unto God (Romans 6:1-14), we must then understand that we are free from the Law (Romans 6:15 to Romans 7:6).
Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Romans 6:15 Comments Paul offers a “claim” and follows it with a “reason” to support this claim. We can imagine that Paul has confronted Jews in the synagogue for years and debated the superiority of the Gospel over the Law. He has been accused of saying that it was permissible to sin because the Jews were no longer under the Law. Therefore, Paul anticipates this argument from his readers and addresses it in advance.
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 6:16 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey” - Comments We “present” or “yield” ourselves by an act of our own will. Paul will use this Greek word παρι ́ στημι again in Romans 12:1 saying, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 6:16 “whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness” Comments - The phrase “of sin unto death” tells us that a born again believer can become a servant of sin after having been reconciled to God. This bondage to sin will result in death. This means that a person in sin will go to Hell since death in this passage of Scripture refers to spiritual separation from God. The application of the term death is made clear a few verses later in Romans 6:21 by saying that the end of a sinners’ lifestyle before he was saved is death, which means eternal separation from God in Hell. This definition of death stands in direct contrast to eternal life described in Romans 6:22. Thus, the wages of sin, whether as a sinner or a born-again believer, all results in death, according to Romans 6:23. This fact is restated again in Romans 8:13.
Romans 6:21-23, “What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death . What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life . For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 8:13, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 6:17 Word Study on “God be thanked” The Greek construction ( χάριν ἔχω τῷ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ ) or ( χάρις τῷ θεῷ ) [169] or some variation of this phrase is found no less than thirteen times in the Greek New Testament (Luke 17:9, Romans 6:17; Romans 7:25, 1 Corinthians 10:30; 1Co 15:57 , 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 8:16; 2 Corinthians 9:15, Colossians 3:16, 1 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:3, Philemon 1:7 [t.r.], Hebrews 12:28). It is properly translated in a variety of ways; “I am grateful to God,” or “I thank God,” “Let’s give thanks,” or “with thanks to the Lord.”
[169] Kurt Aland, Matthew Black, Carlo M. Martini, Bruce M. Metzger, M. Robinson, and Allen Wikgren, The Greek New Testament, Fourth Revised Edition (with Morphology) (Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1993, 2006), in Libronix Digital Library System, v. 2.1c [CD-ROM] (Bellingham, WA: Libronix Corp., 2000-2004), Romans 6:17.
Romans 6:17 Comments - Servants of sin are those who are enslaved and in bondage to sin. While we were in bondage to sin, we yielded our hearts unto God when we heart the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While we were unable to love and serve Him because of our bondage to a sinful lifestyle. He reached down and set us free (Romans 6:18) and filled us with the Holy Spirit, all because we yielded our hearts to Him while weak and bound.
Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Romans 6:18 Comments How to believers become “slaves of righteousness.” Wayne Johnson gives the example of how he spoke a profane word while a church leader and felt immediate conviction. [170] As God’s children, we fall under immediate conviction when we stumble, while the sinner continues in his sin with joy and indulgences, showing no convictions. As the sinner is in bondage to a lifestyle of sin, God’s children are “bound” by their regenerated spirit and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
[170] Wayne Johnson, “Sunday School Lesson on Romans 6:1-23,” First Assembly of God, Panama City, Florida, 10 October 2010.
Scripture References - Note:
Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Romans 6:19 “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh” - Comments Paul made a similar statement in Romans 3:5, saying, “I speak as a man.” He also uses it in Galatians 3:15, “I speak after the manner of men.”
Paul is teaching a spiritual truth using a natural illustration. In the Roman world that Paul was writing, slavery was a common sight. It was not uncommon to observe a slave being sold to a new master, and receiving new compensation and conditions of service.
Romans 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
Romans 6:21 Comments - This question is asked because Paul wants us to remember the results that sin brought into our lives: distress, anguish, bondage, etc.
Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death” Word Study on “wages” The TDNT says the Greek word ο ̓ ψω ́ νιον literally means, “what is appointed for buying food.” BDAG says it properly means, “ration-(money),” but it is best translated “compensation” in Romans 6:23. Luke and Paul use this word to refer to military wages (Luke 3:14, 1 Corinthians 9:7), and Paul uses it to refer to the compensation he received from churches as a soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:8).
Luke 3:14, “And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.”
1 Corinthians 9:7, “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?”
2 Corinthians 11:8, “I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.”
Comments - The penalty of sin is death. Each person must die for the sins he commits. You can either die in Christ (Romans 6:3), or die in the second death of eternal judgment. The first death is physical death, but the second death is eternal separation from God.
Romans 6:3, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”
Romans 6:23 “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” - Comments - We are no longer in sin, but have been freed from sin. Therefore, we do not have to die for the wages of our sin because we have been made free from sin (Romans 6:22).
Romans 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Romans 7:2 Comments - Romans 7:2 is an example that illustrates Romans 7:1. When a man dies, even the law of marriage is broken.
Romans 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Romans 7:4 “Wherefore, my brethren” - Comments - An analogy is made between Romans 7:3 and Romans 7:4. Jesus and the Jews were bound to the Law like a husband and wife are bound. Only death separates. Jesus died and we died with Jesus, (Romans 6:5-6), so we are loosed from the law.
Romans 6:5-6, “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
Romans 7:4 Comments - Since we died with Jesus (Romans 6:5-6, Galatians 2:20), it is through Jesus that we have died to the law, no longer under its power. Now we can remarry, and the resurrected Jesus is the one to whom we have been given in marriage (2 Corinthians 11:2).
Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
2 Corinthians 11:2, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”
How did we become dead to the Law? By the body of Christ which was sacrificed on Calvary. We were crucified with Jesus on Calvary (Galatians 2:20). There we died, slain by the law.
Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
We were dead in trespasses and sins, held in bondage by the law. In the law of sin and death, we had no hope of coming out by ourselves. Jesus came, took the penalty of sin and death away with Him on the Cross. Therefore, we are no longer in bondage to the Law because it killed us. Now, Jesus makes us alive again, He rose again and took us for His bride. Bless the Lord, Oh, my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!
Illustration - While studying through what Jesus did for us on Calvary, the story never grows old. It is like watching a favorite show on television. Although you know the outcome, you anticipate the danger scenes and when the final victory comes, you sigh and wipe your brow, having been caught up in the action once more.
Scripture References - Note similar verses:
Ephesians 2:15, “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;”
Colossians 2:14, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;”
1 Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Romans 7:5 “For when we were in the flesh” Comment - The word “when” means that we are no longer in the flesh (Romans 8:9).
Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Yet, as Christians “in the flesh,” we can still live “after the flesh.” Note the differences of the two words “in” and “after.”
Romans 8:13, “For if ye live after the flesh , ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
Romans 7:5 “the motions of sins” Comment - The motions of sins refers to fleshy passions towards sins.
Romans 7:5 “which were by the law” Comments - By the law was the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20). That is, sinful passions are realized by the understanding of God’s law of righteous living.
Romans 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin .”
Sin comes through the Law:
1 John 3:4, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
Romans 4:15, “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.”
Therefore, if there is no law, there is no sin. Romans 7:9, “For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.”
Romans 7:5 “did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death” Comments - The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Sin brings forth death (James 1:15). In other words, the fruit of sin is death.
Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
James 1:15, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Romans 7:6 “that we should serve in newness of spirit” Scripture References - Note:
Romans 7:25, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God ; but with the flesh the law of sin.”
Romans 7:1-6 Comments - Dead to the Law - The phrase “the Law” in this passage refers to the Mosaic Law; yet, Gentiles were never under the Mosaic Law. However, the Gentiles had the works of the Law written in their hearts (Romans 2:12-15).
Romans 2:12-15, “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts , their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)”