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The essence of the Christian faith lies in the transformative power of Jesus Christ, and this is wonderfully encapsulated in Romans 6:1-4. "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" This scripture challenges believers to move beyond mere intellectual assent and enter into the reality of living a transformed, "new life" because of Christ.
The idea that through Christ's death and resurrection, we are offered newness of life is both profound and practical. Let us look at what the Word of God says, and how it calls us to live in light of this truth.
The Apostle Paul penned the Epistle to the Romans, addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. Within this passage, Paul addresses the misconception that grace might give license to sin. By asking, "Shall we go on sinning?" Paul challenges this erroneous thought directly. He expounds on the profound union believers have with Christ through baptism—a symbolic yet powerful act signifying the believer's identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
The Christians in Rome, like many today, faced the peril of misunderstanding grace. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, sought to anchor them in the truth that conversion is not merely a change of belief, but a change of nature and living.
### Sin - "Hamartia" (ἁμαρτία)
The Greek word used for sin is "hamartia," which is more than a mere wrongdoing or offense. It is a term borrowed from archery, meaning "to miss the mark." While sin is often viewed as an act, "hamartia" implies a condition, a state of being that consistently falls short of God's standard.
### Baptism - "Baptizo" (βαπτίζω)
The term "baptizo," used for 'baptism,' means to immerse or submerge. This is significant because baptism isn't just a ritual; it denotes a complete identification with another. In this context, baptism into Christ's death symbolizes a life that is deeply immersed in the reality of His sacrifice and resurrection power. This is not a superficial washing but an inward transformation.
By appreciating these terms, we grasp the gravity of our former condition and the depth of what it means to be unified with Christ in death and life.
The lyrics of the song draw directly from Paul's assertion that we have died to sin and been raised to new life in Christ. Let's inspect these truths in more detail:
"Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?"
Paul uses rhetorical questioning to establish that sin does not magnify grace; rather, grace trains us to renounce ungodliness. Titus 2:11-12 reminds us, "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions."
"We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"
Scripture makes it plain: To associate with Christ is to declare war on sin. It is a decisive separation from adherence to sin's dominion. Galatians 2:20 confirms, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
"We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death."
The notion of burial represents a complete end to the old life. Our baptism is akin to a funeral for our former nature. Colossians 2:12 explains that we are "buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised."
"Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Our new life is patterned after Christ's victory over the grave. Ephesians 4:24 encourages us to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
"We died to sin with Him— now we live a brand-new life."
Here lies the heart of transformation: not merely escaping punishment but embracing a life defined by holiness, enabled by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:11 underscores that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, ensuring newness of life.
To genuinely embrace this new life, one must take decisive steps:
1. Identify and Renounce Sin – First, we must acknowledge and confess areas dominated by sin. 1 John 1:9 assures us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
2. Embrace Your New Identity – Recognize that you are a new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
3. Live by the Spirit – Engage actively with the Holy Spirit’s work in your life. Galatians 5:16 instructs, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
4. Commit to Fellowship and Accountability – Surround yourself with believers who encourage and hold you accountable to this newness of life, as enjoined in Hebrews 10:24-25.
Proclamation:
In the name of Jesus, I proclaim that I have died to sin and have been raised to walk in newness of life. Sin shall no longer have dominion over me, for I am submerged in the power of Christ's death and resurrection.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the transformative power of Your Word. Empower me through Your Spirit to live out the new life secured for me through Jesus Christ. Help me to walk in victory over sin, clothed in Your righteousness, and reflecting Your glory. May my life bring honor to Your name as I live out this truth each day. Amen.
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