Chapter 6
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Scripture
KJV1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4Therefore 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.
5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13Neither 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.
14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16Know 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?
17But 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.
18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19I 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.
20For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Overview
Paul addresses the objection that grace encourages sin by asking 'Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?' and answering emphatically, 'God forbid.' He teaches that believers have been baptized into Christ's death and raised to walk in newness of life, so that the old man of sin is crucified and we are no longer slaves to sin. He urges believers to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God, presenting their members as instruments of righteousness, because sin shall not have dominion over those who are under grace.
Key Themes
Union with Christ in Death and Resurrection
Through baptism into Christ, believers participate in His death to sin and His resurrection to new life, fundamentally changing their relationship to sin.
Freedom from Sin's Dominion
Sin no longer has dominion over the believer because we are not under the law but under grace — grace does not permit sin but empowers victory over it.
Servants of Righteousness
Every person serves a master — either sin leading to death, or obedience leading to righteousness — and believers are called to yield themselves wholly to God.
Study Questions
How does the concept of being 'baptized into his death' (v. 3) affect the way you understand your identity as a believer?
What does it mean practically to 'reckon yourselves dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God' (v. 11)?
If grace is free, why does Paul so strongly reject the idea that we should 'continue in sin, that grace may abound' (v. 1)?
How does the imagery of slavery (vv. 16-20) help explain the nature of both sin and obedience?
What does Paul mean by 'the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord' (v. 23), and why does he use 'wages' versus 'gift'?
Connection to Christ
Our union with Christ is the foundation of sanctification. We are buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him to newness of life. Christ's death broke the power of sin, and His resurrection life is the source of our new existence. Eternal life is the free gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Romans 6. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?