What is the meaning of Romans 6:5? For if we have been united Paul begins by announcing a fact, not a possibility: our spiritual history is inseparably wrapped up in Christ’s. • Union means shared identity—what happened to Him counts for us (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13). • This was God’s work, accomplished at the cross and received by faith (Ephesians 2:4-6). • Because it rests on His finished work, the union is secure, providing a new center for our daily choices (Galatians 2:20; John 15:5). …in His death Being joined to Christ includes participation in His crucifixion. • Our “old self” was put to death so sin’s mastery is broken (Romans 6:6-7; Colossians 2:11-12). • The result is freedom to “reckon” ourselves dead to sin and alive to God—an active, ongoing mindset (Romans 6:11-12). • Practical outworking: rejecting patterns that once defined us (Galatians 5:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17). …in His resurrection Union with Christ does not stop at the cross; it carries us into His risen life. • Present: we already share His resurrection power, enabling a walk “in newness of life” (Colossians 3:1-3; Ephesians 1:19-20). • Future: bodily resurrection is guaranteed—what happened to the Head will happen to the body (1 Corinthians 15:20-22; Philippians 3:20-21). • Certainty rests on God’s promise, not our performance: “will certainly” underscores divine commitment. • Hope fuels holiness; knowing we will rise with Him motivates purity now (1 John 3:2-3). summary Romans 6:5 teaches that believers are so thoroughly joined to Jesus that His death counts as our death to sin and His resurrection guarantees both present renewal and future glory. Because this union is God’s decisive act, we can live free from sin’s reign today and look forward with unshakable confidence to being raised with Him forever. |
    |