Does Romans 6:2 imply that Christians can achieve sinless perfection in this life? The Immediate Context of Romans 6:2 Romans 6:2 sits in Paul’s answer to the rhetorical question of 6:1, “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?” . His emphatic response, “Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?” points to a change of relationship to sin, not an assertion of flawless performance. Verses 3-14 ground this change in our union with Christ’s death and resurrection, then follow with imperatives to “consider” (v. 11) and “present” (v. 13) ourselves to God. The flow moves from positional reality to moral obligation, indicating an ongoing struggle against sin rather than the arrival at sinless perfection. Union with Christ: Positional Versus Progressive Sanctification Romans 6 links believers to Christ’s once-for-all historical death (“crucified with Him,” v. 6) and resurrection (“we will also live with Him,” v. 8). Positional sanctification (our status) is perfect and complete (1 Corinthians 6:11). Progressive sanctification (our practice) advances throughout life (2 Corinthians 3:18). Glorification (our future) finally eradicates sin (Romans 8:23, 30). Romans 6 is chiefly positional, supplying the basis for progress, but full eradication waits for glorification. Indicatives Birth Imperatives Paul’s pattern—statement of fact (indicative) followed by command (imperative)—appears throughout Romans 6-8. Because we “died to sin” (indicative, 6:2), “do not let sin reign” (imperative, 6:12). Because we are “not under law but under grace” (indicative, 6:14), “present your members” (imperative, 6:19). If sinless perfection had already occurred, the imperatives would be redundant. Their presence proves continuing moral responsibility and potential failure. Paul’s Personal Testimony In the same letter Paul confesses, “I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate” (Romans 7:15), and, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (7:24). Years later he admits, “Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been perfected, but I press on” (Philippians 3:12). These admissions, post-conversion and Spirit-filled, rule out sinless perfection in his own life, though he affirms Romans 6:2 as true. Corroborating Witness of the New Testament • 1 John 1:8-10: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves…If we confess our sins, He is faithful…” • Galatians 5:16-17: “The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit…so that you do not do what you want.” • Hebrews 12:1-2: believers are to “lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles,” language ill-suited to the sinlessly perfect. These passages address the post-conversion community, assuming ongoing indwelling sin yet commanding growth. The Already–Not Yet Tension Scripture presents salvation in three tenses: Past—“saved” from sin’s penalty (Ephesians 2:8). Present—“being saved” from sin’s power (1 Corinthians 1:18). Future—“will be saved” from sin’s presence (Romans 13:11). Romans 6:2 highlights the past break, not the completed future deliverance. The New-Creation reality is inaugurated but awaits consummation (1 John 3:2-3). Historical Theology Augustine contended that believers are simul iustus et peccator, “simultaneously righteous and sinners,” justified but still battling sin. The Reformers echoed this, while Wesley later allowed for a qualified entire sanctification yet admitted residual errors and involuntary faults. Across traditions the majority witness denies absolute sinless perfection until glorification, aligning with Romans 6 and the broader canon. Pastoral and Practical Implications 1. Assurance: Our position “in Christ” is secure even when performance lags (Romans 8:1). 2. Motivation: The death-to-sin reality empowers progressive victory (Romans 6:11-14). 3. Humility: Recognition of ongoing weakness prevents pride (1 Corinthians 10:12). 4. Hope: Final perfection is guaranteed at resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:52-57). Common Objections Answered Objection 1: “Dead to sin” means sinless. Answer: Paul uses identical language of believers being “dead to the law” (Romans 7:4); none claim law ceases to exist. “Death” here means release from mastery (6:6-7), not non-existence of sin. Objection 2: 1 John 3:6-9 says the one born of God “cannot sin.” Answer: The Greek present tense indicates habitual practice; the same writer acknowledges episodic sin in 1 John 1:8. Objection 3: Matthew 5:48 commands “Be perfect.” Answer: The verb is future indicative (“you shall be perfect”), echoing Leviticus 19:2. It states God’s goal, fully realized at glorification, pursued now through sanctification (Hebrews 10:14). Conclusion Romans 6:2 asserts a definitive break with sin’s reigning power, not the eradication of sin’s presence. The passage motivates holy living by grounding our effort in Christ’s finished work, while the consistent testimony of Scripture, Pauline self-disclosure, and historic Christian teaching confirm that sinless perfection awaits the resurrection. |
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