Paul begins by confronting a dangerous misunderstanding:
If God’s grace increases where sin increases, should we just keep sinning?
His answer is immediate and forceful: absolutely not.
Why? Because the believer’s identity has changed.
Through baptism into Christ, we are spiritually united with His death and resurrection. Note that it says, “baptism into Christ”, not water. This inner change is due to the fact that we died with Christ, and is purely spiritual. This means:
- The “old self” died with Christ
- We are no longer the same person we used to be
- We are raised to live a new kind of life
Key idea: Grace doesn’t give permission to sin—it gives power to live differently.
United With Christ (Romans 6:5–11)
Paul explains that salvation is not just forgiveness—it is union.
If we are united with Christ in His death:
- Our old sinful nature was crucified
- Sin’s authority over us has been broken
Christ died once to sin and now lives to God.
In the same way, believers must consider themselves:
- Dead to sin
- Alive to God in Christ
This is a mindset shift rooted in truth, not feelings.
You don’t fight sin to become free, you fight sin because you are free.
A New Master (Romans 6:12–14)
Because of this new identity, Paul gives a command:
- Do not let sin reign in your body
- Do not offer yourself to sin
- Instead, offer yourself to God
Before Christ, sin ruled like a king. Now, believers have a choice.
Sin is no longer your master, grace is. You are no longer obligated to obey sin.
We are Slaves to Righteousness (Romans 6:15–19)
Paul addresses another misunderstanding:
If we’re under grace, does that mean sin doesn’t matter?
Again, no.
He uses the image of slavery:
- Everyone serves something
- You either serve sin (leading to death)
- Or obedience (leading to righteousness)
Believers have been set free from sin and now belong to righteousness.
This doesn’t mean perfection—it means a new direction and allegiance.
Freedom in Christ is a transfer of ownership.
28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28–29, MEV)
The Outcome of Each Path (Romans 6:20–23)
Paul closes with a contrast between two lives:
Life under sin:
- Produces shame
- Leads to death
Life under God:
- Produces holiness
- Leads to eternal life
Then comes one of the most well-known verses in Scripture:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Sin earns wages (what is deserved)
- God gives a gift (what is not deserved)
Sin pays you death. God gifts you life.
Cross Commission Ministries 