Since Jesus Died For Our Sins, Can We Continue To Sin?
Matthew BellShare
In Romans 6:1-2, the apostle Paul addresses a powerful question that many believers have pondered: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” This passage dives deep into the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer once they accept Christ’s gift of salvation. Let’s explore what these verses mean for Christians today and how they challenge us to live in accordance with God’s will.
The Temptation to Abuse Grace
Romans 6:1 begins with a question that could arise in the minds of some after hearing about God's incredible grace. Paul anticipates that some might wonder, “If God’s grace covers all our sins, does that mean we can keep sinning so that grace may increase?” This line of thinking, however, is based on a misunderstanding of the gospel.
In reality, God's grace is not a free pass to continue in sin. The grace that Christ offers is not meant to be an excuse for disobedience but a call to transformation. While God’s forgiveness is available to all who repent, it is not a license to continue living in sin. As Paul clearly states in Romans 6:2, “Certainly not!” — meaning that as Christians, we should never take advantage of grace to indulge in sin.
Dying to Sin: A Radical Transformation
Paul emphasizes in verse 2 that those who have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ have “died to sin.” What does it mean to die to sin? It means that our old nature, characterized by a love for sin and rebellion against God, has been crucified with Christ. Romans 6:6 explains further, “Our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”
As believers, we are no longer bound by the power of sin. We have been set free from its control through Jesus’ death and resurrection. This freedom calls us to live differently. While we may still face temptation, sin no longer has dominion over us. By God’s grace, we have the power to resist sin and choose righteousness.
Living the New Life
Having died to sin, we are called to live a new life, one that reflects our relationship with Christ. In Romans 6:4, Paul goes on to explain that just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too are raised to walk in newness of life. This means that our behavior should change. We are called to live according to God’s commands, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
This transformation is not just about avoiding sin but about actively pursuing righteousness. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:13, “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life.”
The Importance of Daily Commitment
The challenge for believers is to live this new life daily. It requires a conscious decision to reject sin and choose obedience to God’s will. This is not always easy, but it is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are not left to rely on our own strength; God equips us to live according to His will.
We must actively surrender our desires to God, daily choosing to submit ourselves to His plans and purposes. This act of obedience leads to spiritual growth and freedom from sin’s influence.
Grace and Responsibility
Romans 6:1-2 teaches us that grace is not a reason to keep living in sin, but a reason to live differently. The grace that we have received calls us to live in a way that honors God. We are no longer slaves to sin, but we are now servants of righteousness (Romans 6:18). This means our lives should reflect the holiness, purity, and love of God.
Conclusion: Living Out the Truth of Romans 6:1-2
Romans 6:1-2 challenges us to embrace the full reality of the transformation that comes with salvation. We are no longer bound by sin, and we should not use grace as an excuse to continue in it. Instead, we are called to die to sin and live for God, walking in the new life that Jesus offers.
Let this passage remind us that true grace leads to a life of holiness, and that the power of Christ’s resurrection is available to us today to resist sin and live for His glory. If you are struggling with temptation or the weight of sin, remember that through Christ, you can live a victorious life. Your old self is dead, and a new, empowered you has been raised to live for Him.
