Does Romans 6:6 imply that Christians no longer sin? Immediate Literary Context (Romans 5:12 – 8:39) Romans 6 lies within Paul’s exposition of union with Christ. Romans 5 ends with the reign of grace; Romans 6–8 explains how that reign becomes practical holiness while awaiting glorification. Verse 6 follows the baptism-union imagery (6:3-5) and precedes the exhortation to “consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God” (6:11). Paul therefore moves from fact (“our old self was crucified”) to command (“do not let sin reign,” 6:12). The presence of imperatives shows that sin remains a threat. Doctrine of Union with Christ Believers are counted as having died with Christ (judicial reality) and raised with Him (v. 4). This union decisively breaks legal bondage to sin’s mastery (6:14, “sin will not be master over you”), yet experiential sanctification is progressive (cf. 6:19, “present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification”). Parallel Pauline Passages • 1 Corinthians 15:31 — Paul “dies daily,” indicating continual reckoning. • Galatians 5:17 — “The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit,” acknowledging conflict within believers. • Philippians 3:12 — “Not that I have already obtained all this… but I press on.” These verses assume ongoing sin-struggle despite the cross’s decisive break. Biblical Witness to Sin in Believers Post-Conversion • 1 John 1:8-10,: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” John addresses Christians (2:1, “My little children”). • James 3:2: “We all stumble in many ways.” • Hebrews 12:1: “Let us lay aside every weight and sin that so easily entangles.” The testimony is unanimous: regenerate people still commit sins, though no longer as slaves. The Already–Not Yet Framework The kingdom is inaugurated (Matthew 12:28) yet awaits consummation (Revelation 21). Likewise, believers are “perfected forever” positionally (Hebrews 10:14) yet “being sanctified” progressively. Romans 6:6 belongs to the “already,” while imperatives (6:11-13) address the “not yet.” Historical and Patristic Interpretation • Augustine, Retractions 1.23: affirms that concupiscence remains, though not imputed for condemnation. • Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans 11: distinguishes between the crucifixion of the old man and the ongoing need to mortify the flesh. • The Westminster Confession (1646) 13.2 reflects this heritage: “Sanctification is throughout… yet imperfect in this life: there abideth still some remnants of corruption.” Systematic Theology: Four-Stage Salvation 1. Justification — penalty of sin removed (Romans 5:1). 2. Sanctification — power of sin progressively weakened (Romans 6-8). 3. Perseverance — certainty of completion (Philippians 1:6). 4. Glorification — presence of sin abolished (Romans 8:30; 1 John 3:2). Romans 6:6 addresses stage 2. Objections Answered 1. “Aorist tense means once-for-all eradication.” Aorist describes event as a whole; it does not convey ongoing results by itself. Context supplies those. 2. “1 John 3:9 says a Christian ‘cannot sin.’” Greek present tense ποιεῖν ἁμαρτίαν means “keep on practicing sin” habitually (cf. 1 John 1:8). 3. “Perfectionism was taught by Wesley.” Wesley spoke of perfect love, not flawless performance; even he admitted involuntary transgressions (Plain Account §11). Pastoral Implications • Assurance: Sin’s dominion is broken; relapse does not revoke sonship (Romans 8:15). • Responsibility: Active reckoning and presentation are commanded means (6:11-13). • Hope: Ultimate freedom from sin’s presence awaits resurrection (8:23). Conclusion Romans 6:6 does not assert that Christians reach sinless perfection in this life. It declares that, by union with the crucified Christ, the believer’s old Adamic identity has been judicially executed, disabling sin’s reigning power. While the tyranny is over, skirmishes persist until glorification. Therefore, Christians still sin, yet no longer as slaves; they fight from victory, not for it, pressing on toward the day when the body of sin will be completely displaced by resurrection glory. |
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