How should Romans 6:3 influence our approach to sin and righteousness? A Foundational Truth: Our Baptism into Christ’s Death Romans 6:3 — “Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” What This Fact Means • Union, not symbolism only: Scripture asserts a real participation in Christ’s death. • Death’s purpose: Christ died to sin once for all (Romans 6:10); therefore, in Him, we are considered dead to sin’s rule. • Identity shift: Who we were in Adam has been judged and buried (Colossians 2:12-13). How This Shapes Our View of Sin • Sin’s authority has been legally broken (Romans 6:6-7). • Continuing in sin would deny the reality God declares to be true about us (1 John 3:9). • Temptation remains, but its compulsion has lost its claim; we fight from victory, not for it (1 Corinthians 10:13). How This Shapes Our Pursuit of Righteousness • Raised to new life (Romans 6:4) — resurrection life is our present possession. • Indwelt by Christ Himself (Galatians 2:20) — righteousness is lived out by His power. • Called to present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). Practical Steps to Walk Out Romans 6:3 1. Recognize: Daily reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). 2. Reject: Refuse to let sin reign in your mortal body (Romans 6:12). 3. Renew: Put off the old self, be renewed in mind, and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24). 4. Replace: Fill formerly sinful patterns with acts of righteousness (Romans 12:21). 5. Rely: Depend on the Spirit’s power, not self-effort (Romans 8:13-14). Encouraging Connections • 2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • 1 Peter 2:24 — Christ bore our sins “so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” • Titus 2:14 — He redeemed us “to purify for Himself a people eager to do good deeds.” Living the Reality Today Remember that Romans 6:3 is not merely a past event or theological concept; it defines your ongoing relationship to sin and righteousness. Stand in what God has done, and step forward in the freedom He guarantees. |
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