How does Romans 6:15 challenge the idea of continuing in sin under grace?

◄ Romans 6:15: Grace vs. sin continuation? ►

Facing Paul’s Rhetorical Question

Romans 6:15: “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!”

Why the Idea Even Arises

• Some hear “grace” and assume moral freedom means moral license.

• Paul anticipates the misconception that forgiveness removes accountability.

• The very shape of his question shows he’s addressing believers who have already received grace (cf. Romans 5:20–21).

Grace Misunderstood vs. Grace Applied

• Misunderstood grace: “God forgives, so sin carries no weight.”

• Applied grace: “God forgives to free me from sin’s dominion.”

• Titus 2:11-12—grace “teaches us to renounce ungodliness.”

• Jude 4 warns of those who “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.”

Why “Certainly Not!” Is Non-Negotiable

• God’s character: He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Grace cannot contradict His nature.

• Union with Christ: Believers died with Him (Romans 6:3-4); resurrected life and habitual sin are incompatible.

• New Mastery: Remaining in sin is loyalty to an old master we’ve been freed from (Romans 6:16-18).

• Witness: Ongoing sin discredits the gospel (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15).

Slavery Imagery That Seals the Argument

Romans 6:16-18 contrasts two slaveries:

1. Slaves to sin ➜ death.

2. Slaves to obedience ➜ righteousness.

Under grace, we’ve changed owners; going back to the old tyrant makes no sense.

Complementary Texts

• Romans 6:1-2—same objection, same answer.

• Galatians 5:13—“do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.”

• 1 Peter 2:16—freedom is not a “cover-up for evil.”

• John 8:34-36—the Son’s liberation produces true freedom, not freedom to sin.

Living Out the “Certainly Not!”

• Count yourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11).

• Present your bodies as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13).

• Cultivate daily repentance; grace supplies power to change, not permission to coast.

• Engage the means of grace—Word, fellowship, Lord’s Supper—to reinforce new identity.

• Remember the promised outcome: “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).