For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  (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.  (7)  For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Romans 6:5-7

Explanation:

What incredible joy this passage is bringing to those who read it and believe. This text should absolutely astound us.

Paul is saying that justification is not just some legal matter between us and God. Yes, God declares us righteous based on Christ’s imputed righteousness to us through His obedience in life and death, and through the power of His resurrection. But this declaration has real world implications in our life right now. For those of us who have been justified, we have a new reality. We have a new life. We have a new relationship both with God and with sin. Our relationship to sin is characterized with the death and burial of Jesus Christ. Sin’s power doesn’t automatically overpower us anymore. Our relationship to God is characterized by Christ’s resurrection. If the old man of sin has been crucified with Christ on the cross, then the new man of righteousness has now been made alive in the likeness of His resurrection. Now we don’t have to serve sin. We can serve the Lord. Why? “For he that is dead is freed from sin.”

Application:

One of the tough things about applying this passage is that often this reality isn’t felt by many professing Christians. We still sin. Sin doesn’t always feel dead in us. Why?

One reason it could be this way is that someone hasn’t been justified. Maybe they don’t feel free from sin because they have never placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

As a believer, you may not feel free from sin because you are continuing to serve sin instead of Christ. Even though you are free from sin as a master, you’re not considering yourself dead to sin. We’ll talk more about this in the next few verses. Just as justification is by faith, so sanctification happens by faith as well.

Response:

– If you don’t know Christ as Savior, repent and believe the Gospel today!

– As a believer, if you are struggling with sin today, consider yourself free from sin and alive to Christ.   Confess your sin and repent. Walk in newness of life!