top of page
  • Writer's pictureStar Saiyan

Romans 6:12-14

Jesus Christ overpowered death (one of sin's effects) and provided us grace. But that doesn't mean that sinning is a good idea!



In fact, from the talk on baptism into Christ earlier in the chapter, our old self is considered crucified. In other words, it's not meant to be used anymore. Much of the old self involves sinful lifestyles, and considering that one of the side effects of sin is death, said lifestyle isn't really a good lifestyle. Also, on a practical note, sin ruins lives. Thus, Paul calls us to "not present [ourselves] as instruments of unrighteousness to sin" (6:13).


Instead, we are called to "present [ourselves] to God as being alive from the dead [and] as instruments of righteousness to God" (6:14). In other words, part of the reason why the old body is crucified is so that we can focus on doing good (rather than relying on a busted lifestyle).


Paul proclaims that "sin shall not have dominion over [us]" because we are "under grace". In one sense, grace provides justification and forgiveness of sin. But in other sense, grace empowers us to not keep sinning. Think of it like the auto-recovery from falling off pits (like in Kirby's Epic Yarn). The auto-recovery gives us chances to continue onward, but that doesn't mean that we should keep jumping into pits! In a similar way, Jesus's grace is not meant to be used as an excuse for us to sin but rather a source of empowerment/recovery so we can be free from sin more often.

3 views
bottom of page