Romans 6
Living Out Our New Identity in Christ: Insights from Romans 6
As we dive into Romans 6, there’s a powerful message about our identity in Christ and what it means to live in His grace. Right from the beginning of the chapter, Paul poses a question that many of us have likely wrestled with: “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?” (Romans 6:1 ESV). This thought-provoking question caught my attention right off the bat, especially in the context of the preceding chapter, where Paul discusses how Adam's sin led to humanity's fall, but Jesus' sacrifice offers us a way to be saved. In light of this, how should we respond? Are we free to continue in sin because God's grace is so abundant? Paul’s emphatic answer is clear: By no means! (Romans 6:2).
The Call to a New Life in Christ
The core of Paul’s argument is that when we choose to follow Jesus, we enter into a completely new reality. He makes it clear that our old selves were crucified with Christ in order to break the power of sin over us. As Paul explains, “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” (Romans 6:6).
This truth is not just theological; it’s intensely practical. It's about living out the implications of what Christ has done for us. The imagery of being “dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11) is not just something we reflect on—it’s a reality that we are meant to walk in daily. Imagine the freedom this offers! No longer are we slaves to the patterns of sin that once controlled us. Instead, we have been set free, and that freedom empowers us to live in a way that reflects God's holiness.
Asking the Right Question
A thought that often comes up when discussing grace is, “How much can I get away with and still be forgiven?” I’ve noticed that this question often arises in all kinds of situations, whether it’s navigating purity in relationships or making moral decisions in our daily lives. It reminds me of the question many people ask when dating: “How far is too far?”
In Romans 6, Paul challenges us to shift our thinking. Instead of asking, “How much can I get away with?” we should ask, “How can I use this relationship, this action, this moment, to honor God?” This shift in mindset is key to living a life that reflects Christ. It’s about being intentional in every area of our lives, whether it’s our physical boundaries, what we watch, or how we treat others. We begin to ask, “How can this bring me closer to holiness?” rather than seeking to minimize our actions to just shy of sin.
The Power of Visualization in Our Walk with Christ
Paul’s words about dying to sin and living for God also draw on a powerful principle: the power of visualization. This may sound like a strange connection at first, but stick with me. I’ve been reminded that athletes often use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse their actions before they even perform them. It’s a way of seeing themselves succeeding, whether it’s hitting a game-winning shot or delivering a flawless speech.
Similarly, as followers of Christ, we are called to visualize the truth of our new identity. I love how the analogy of Christ’s death on the cross helps us visualize the reality of our freedom. Picture yourself nailing your sins, regrets, and failures to the cross—leaving them there for good. This visualization doesn’t just help us mentally cope with our struggles; it allows us to actively participate in the reality that Jesus has already defeated sin’s power. His resurrection life is ours to live out today.
This visualization doesn’t mean we won’t struggle or face moments where we’ll have to say “no” to sin again. But the truth is, we are not bound by sin’s power anymore. Jesus has already taken it, and that gives us the strength to say “no” and walk in His victory.
Living in the Resurrection Power of Christ
As Paul continues, he calls us to not let sin reign in our lives. In Romans 6:12, he writes, “Do not let sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” This is a call to action. It’s not enough to passively accept what Jesus has done for us—we must actively resist sin. This isn’t something we do on our own strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s a moment-by-moment choice to say “yes” to Jesus and “no” to the temptations that seek to derail us.
In practical terms, this might mean we need accountability, prayer, or even seeking professional help. But the key is knowing that we are empowered by the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead. We don’t just struggle in our sin—we struggle in the power of Christ’s victory.
In conclusion, Romans 6 isn’t just a theological passage about salvation—it’s a call to live out the reality of our new life in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin but are now alive in Christ. As we visualize our freedom and embrace our new identity, we can walk in the power of the resurrection, making choices that honor God in all areas of our lives. Let’s keep this truth at the forefront, remembering that through Jesus, we have been set free.
