Romans 6: New Life in Christ

Overview

Romans 6 is a pivotal chapter in Paul’s epistle, addressing the believer’s relationship to sin in light of union with Christ. Building on justification by faith from Romans 1–5, Paul now turns to sanctification — the process by which believers grow in holiness. He answers an anticipated objection: If we are saved by grace, can we continue in sin? Paul’s emphatic “By no means!” (v.2) sets the tone for the rest of the chapter.

Paul explains that believers have died to sin and now live a new life through their identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. This chapter emphasizes that sin no longer has dominion over believers who are under grace. Paul uses the imagery of slavery to contrast life under sin with life in righteousness, urging believers to present themselves as instruments of righteousness to God.

Key theological significance:

Believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection.
Justification leads to sanctification; grace is not a license to sin.
Freedom in Christ results in slavery to righteousness.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 56–57 during his third missionary journey, likely from Corinth. The Roman church was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, and Paul’s purpose was to present a clear, theologically grounded explanation of the gospel.

In chapter 6, Paul responds to a distorted interpretation of grace — that since grace abounds where sin increases (Romans 5:20), one might continue sinning to magnify grace. Paul firmly rejects this and outlines the moral implications of being justified by faith.

Literary Context

Romans 6 is part of the broader section of Romans (chapters 5–8) focused on the implications of justification. Paul uses didactic argumentation, rhetorical questions, and metaphors (particularly slavery and baptism) to convey deep theological truths.

He employs repetition and contrast — death vs. life, old self vs. new self, slavery to sin vs. slavery to righteousness — to emphasize transformation through Christ. His structure follows a logical flow:

Objection to grace and sin (vv.1–2)
Explanation of union with Christ (vv.3–10)
Command to live accordingly (vv.11–14)
Illustration through slavery (vv.15–23)

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. Union with Christ (vv.3–5)

Paul teaches that baptism symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ’s death and resurrection. This union is not merely symbolic; it reflects a real spiritual transformation. The old self was crucified so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.

Evangelical implications:

Baptism is a public declaration of a spiritual reality, not the means of salvation.
Identification with Christ is foundational to Christian sanctification.

2. Death to Sin, Life to God (vv.6–11)

The believer is no longer under the reign of sin. Just as Christ died once and now lives forever to God, so believers are to consider themselves dead to sin and alive in Christ.

Doctrinal emphasis:

Regeneration results in a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Sanctification is rooted in identity, not merely effort.

3. Slavery and Freedom (vv.15–23)

Paul uses the concept of slavery to show that all people are enslaved — either to sin or to righteousness. Believers, once slaves to sin, have now become obedient from the heart and are slaves of righteousness, resulting in sanctification and eternal life.

Key doctrinal points:

There is no neutral ground — every person serves a master.
True freedom is found in willing submission to God’s will.
Eternal life is the fruit of sanctification, not its basis (v.22).

4. Grace and Holiness

Grace does not promote lawlessness. Instead, it empowers holy living. Just as justification is by grace through faith, so sanctification is also a work of God in the believer, by the Holy Spirit.

Theological point:

God’s grace never leaves a person unchanged.
Sanctification is evidence of saving faith (James 2:17).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Romans 6:1-2 — “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!”

Paul confronts a possible abuse of grace — antinomianism (lawlessness). While grace abounds where sin increases (Romans 5:20), it must not be twisted into license. “By no means!” (Greek: me genoito) is the strongest Greek rejection, indicating moral outrage. Grace leads to freedom from sin, not permission to sin.

Cross-reference: Jude 4 warns against those who “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.”

Application: Preach grace as power for transformation, not freedom to rebel.

Romans 6:3-4 — “Baptized into his death…raised to live a new life”

Paul uses baptism to explain union with Christ. Baptism doesn’t save (Ephesians 2:8-9), but signifies the spiritual reality of dying with Christ (Galatians 2:20) and rising with Him (Colossians 2:12). The believer’s old life is gone; a new one has begun.

Cross-reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.”

Application: Teach believers to walk in resurrection power daily, not returning to the grave of sin.

Romans 6:6-7 — “Our old self was crucified…we should no longer be slaves to sin”

Paul defines the “old self” as the unregenerate person under Adam. Through Christ, the tyranny of sin is broken. We are legally and spiritually freed from sin’s authority.

Cross-reference: Galatians 5:24 – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh.”

Doctrinal Insight: The death of the “old self” is positional truth — a reality to be reckoned with by faith.

Romans 6:11 — “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus”

The verb “count” (logizomai) is an accounting term — to reckon something as true. Paul calls believers to align their thinking with the reality of their new identity in Christ.

Cross-reference: Colossians 3:3 – “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Application: Sanctification begins by believing what God says is true of you.

Romans 6:12-13 — “Do not let sin reign…offer yourselves to God”

Paul transitions from indicative (what is true) to imperative (what to do). The believer is to actively resist sin’s rule and offer every part of the body as an instrument of righteousness.

Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”

Application: Surrender is a daily choice. Holiness involves practical obedience.

Romans 6:14 — “For sin shall no longer be your master”

This verse summarizes the chapter’s theme: sin no longer rules because the believer is under grace, not law. Grace transforms from the inside out.

Cross-reference: Titus 2:11-12 – Grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness.

Doctrinal Insight: Grace does not excuse sin — it empowers righteousness.

Romans 6:17-18 — “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness”

Paul rejoices that believers have obeyed the gospel “from the heart.” True conversion includes heartfelt submission to God’s truth. Slavery to righteousness leads to freedom in holiness.

Cross-reference: John 8:36 – “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Application: True liberty is not doing what we want, but what we were created to do — serve God.

Romans 6:23 — “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”

The chapter ends with a contrast between what sin earns (death) and what God gives (life). This verse is both a gospel summary and a call to choose life.

Cross-reference: John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life.”

Application: Every choice in life points toward one of two masters — sin or God.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Romans 6 centers on union with Christ — a foundational Christian doctrine. In Him, we died to sin and rose to new life (vv. 3–5). Jesus is not only the model of righteousness but the very means by which we are transformed.

Christ’s Death: Our sin was judged in His crucifixion.
Christ’s Resurrection: Our new life is empowered by His victory over death.
Christ’s Lordship: He is not only Savior but Master, and we are His slaves (v. 22).

Broader Redemptive Story

Romans 6 connects to Genesis 3 (sin’s entrance) and to Revelation 21 (final victory over sin).
It showcases the already-but-not-yet reality: we are free from sin’s dominion now and await full glorification.

Connection to God the Father

While Christ is central in Romans 6, the Father’s role is deeply embedded:

Initiator of Salvation: It is God’s gift (v.23) that brings eternal life.
Authority Figure: The believer is now alive to God (v.11) and belongs to Him.
Object of Worship and Obedience: We are to offer ourselves to God (v.13), affirming His lordship and holiness.

Cross-reference: John 6:44 – “No one can come to me unless the Father…draws them.”

God the Father calls, adopts, and sanctifies His children through the finished work of His Son and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11).

Connection to the Holy Spirit

While the Holy Spirit is not explicitly named in Romans 6, His presence and power are implicitly at work throughout the chapter. The transformation described—dying to sin, walking in newness of life, being set free, and becoming slaves to righteousness—can only occur through the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

Key Connections:

Spiritual Union with Christ (v.3–5): It is the Spirit who unites believers to Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
New Life (v.4): This “new life” is life in the Spirit (Romans 8:2).
Freedom from Sin (v.6–7): The Spirit empowers the believer to say no to sin (Gal. 5:16).
Transformation of the Inner Man (v.17–18): Obedience from the heart is the fruit of the Spirit’s work (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Galatians 5:22-23).

Though Paul expands on the Spirit’s role in Romans 8, the groundwork is laid here: sanctification begins with the Spirit who enables us to walk in the newness of life (Romans 8:11).

Sermon Outline and Flow: “Dead to Sin, Alive to God”

Introduction:

Open with a question: “What does it truly mean to be free?” Many think freedom means doing whatever we want. But Paul redefines freedom — not as autonomy, but as slavery to the right master.

Text: Romans 6:1-23
Theme: Because of our union with Christ, we are dead to sin and alive to God — and must live accordingly.

I. Grace Is Not a License to Sin (Romans 6:1-2)

Main Point: God’s grace doesn’t excuse sin; it transforms us.

Anticipated objection: “Should we keep sinning since we’re under grace?”
Paul’s emphatic “By no means!”
Application: Teach the difference between cheap grace and true grace.

Transition: So how does grace actually transform us?

II. United with Christ in His Death and Resurrection (Romans 6:3-10)

Main Point: Believers share in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Baptism is a symbol of this union.
The old self is crucified; a new self rises.
Cross-reference: Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1-3
Application: Embrace your new identity in Christ.

Example: Just as a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, our transformation is complete and visible.

III. Live According to Your New Identity (Romans 6:11-14)

Main Point: Consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God.

“Reckon” (logizomai): Act based on what is spiritually true.
Present your body to God as a tool for righteousness.
Application: Take intentional steps to walk in holiness.

Illustration: A former prisoner who keeps returning to the jail even though the door is open and the chains are gone.

IV. You Serve One of Two Masters (Romans 6:15-23)

Main Point: You are either a slave to sin or to righteousness.

Freedom is not the absence of a master, but submission to the right one.
Sin pays wages (death); God gives a gift (eternal life).
Application: Choose daily whom you will serve.

Conclusion:

The gospel does not leave us unchanged.
You’ve been set free — not to sin, but to serve God.
Call to Action: Surrender every area of your life to Christ today. Walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and present yourself as an instrument of righteousness.

Illustrations and Examples

1. The Prison Door Is Open

Imagine someone who has served a prison sentence. One day the warden announces: “You’re free to go!” But instead of walking out, the man returns to his cell daily, still wearing his prison uniform. Many Christians do the same — returning to sin, forgetting they’ve been set free.

Application: We must leave behind the chains of sin. In Christ, the prison door is open — walk out and live free.

2. The Blank Check of Grace

Some treat grace like a blank check. “I can sin more — God will forgive.” But grace is not permission; it’s power. True grace not only forgives but transforms the heart.

Illustration from Titus 2:11-12: Grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness.

3. Burning the Ships

In 1519, Hernán Cortés ordered his men to burn the ships after arriving in Mexico, symbolizing total commitment — there was no turning back. In Christ, we have burned the ships of sin. There’s no going back to the old life.

Application: Living for Jesus means full surrender, no retreat, no return.

4. The Free Gift vs. Earned Wages

Picture a man receiving two envelopes. One says “Wages Due” — it contains a notice of death. The other says “Gift from God” — it contains eternal life. Which will you choose?

Romans 6:23: You either earn death or receive life. The choice is clear.

Application for Today’s Christian

Romans 6 is a call to action for every believer. It reminds Christians that salvation is not only about forgiveness of sins, but also about freedom from the power of sin. This freedom is not passive — it requires deliberate, Spirit-empowered action in daily life.

1. Discipleship: Growing in Christlike Obedience

Live from identity, not effort: Believers are united with Christ. Sanctification flows from knowing who we are in Him (v.11).
Practice spiritual disciplines: Daily Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and accountability are tools God uses to train us in righteousness.
Kill sin daily: As John Owen wrote, “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.” Romans 6 calls us to resist temptation by reckoning ourselves dead to it.

Practical step: Begin each day by affirming your identity in Christ — “I am dead to sin and alive to God.”

2. Stewardship: Present Your Body to God

Stewardship is more than money — it’s about the whole self. Romans 6:13 says, “offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness.”
Use your time, gifts, and body for God’s purposes: Whether serving in church, raising children, working ethically, or caring for the body, all of life is worship.

Practical step: Dedicate one specific part of your life (e.g., speech, screen time, relationships) this week to be intentionally surrendered to God.

3. Living Out the Faith: Daily Surrender and Holiness

Be intentional in moral choices: Romans 6 confronts the casual Christian life. Grace doesn’t lower the bar — it empowers us to live differently.
Serve others with joy: As slaves of righteousness, we are called to reflect God’s character by loving others in word and deed (Galatians 5:13).
Evangelize with urgency: Romans 6:23 clarifies the eternal consequences of sin — this compels us to share the gospel with compassion and courage.

Practical step: Identify a recurring temptation and apply a specific Scripture to resist it this week.

Connection to God’s Love

Though Romans 6 is rich in commands and exhortations, its foundation is God’s initiating, transforming love.

1. Love that Sets Free

God did not leave us enslaved to sin. His love goes beyond forgiving our guilt — it breaks the chains of our bondage. By uniting us with His Son, He liberates us from the power of sin.

Romans 5:8 (preceding context): “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 6 is the effect of that love.

2. Love that Gives a New Life

Romans 6:4 – “Just as Christ was raised… we too may live a new life.” This is the language of restoration. God loves us too much to leave us in our brokenness.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 – God promises a new heart and His Spirit within us — fulfilled in the new covenant in Christ.

3. Love that Gives a Gift

Romans 6:23 — “The gift of God is eternal life.” This gift isn’t earned or deserved. It comes from a Father who delights in giving His children more than they could ask for.

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world…”

Broader Biblical Themes

Romans 6 doesn’t stand alone — it fits into the grand storyline of Scripture. It continues God’s work of redemption and restoration, which began at creation and finds fulfillment in Christ.

1. Creation and New Creation

In Genesis, God created man in His image, holy and free. Sin corrupted that image.
Romans 6 speaks of a re-creation — believers are now made alive again, walking in “newness of life” (v.4).

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.”

2. Redemption and Deliverance

Just as God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, Romans 6 describes the believer’s deliverance from slavery to sin.
The Exodus becomes a picture of the greater deliverance accomplished through Christ.

Exodus 6:6 – “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm.”
Luke 4:18 – Jesus proclaims freedom for the captives.

3. Covenant and Obedience

The new covenant promised a people who would obey from the heart (v.17).
Romans 6 shows that this has been fulfilled through Christ and the Spirit’s work in the believer.

Jeremiah 31:33 – “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.”

4. Kingdom and Lordship

Romans 6 presents a stark kingdom choice: sin or God, death or life, wages or gift.
The gospel places us under a new King — Jesus Christ, our Lord (v.23).

Colossians 1:13 – “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”

Reflection Questions

Use these questions to encourage deeper thinking, spiritual growth, and group engagement. They are designed for use in personal devotion, discipleship meetings, or small group discussions.

1. What does it mean to be “dead to sin and alive to God”? (v.11)

In what ways do you need to “count yourself” dead to sin in your daily life?
How would your behavior change if you truly believed this to be true?

2. Are there any areas in your life where sin still “reigns”? (v.12)

What habits, attitudes, or temptations still dominate your thinking or actions?
How can you surrender these areas to God as instruments of righteousness?

3. How does understanding your union with Christ impact your walk with Him? (vv.3–5)

How often do you reflect on your spiritual identity in Christ?
What steps can you take to live out the reality of your new life?

4. In what ways are you tempted to use grace as an excuse rather than a motivation for holiness? (v.1)

Do you ever think or act as if grace gives you permission to sin?
What would it look like to use grace to pursue righteousness instead?

5. Paul talks about being a slave — either to sin or to righteousness (vv.16–18).

Which master are you truly serving today?
What does joyful slavery to righteousness look like in your everyday routine?

6. Romans 6:23 contrasts “wages of sin” with “the gift of God.”

Why do many people choose the wages over the gift?
How can you better share this truth with unbelievers?

7. What does this chapter teach you about God’s love and His desire for your life?

How does God’s grace inspire gratitude, not guilt?
What is one way you can respond in obedience this week out of love for God?

8. How can the message of Romans 6 shape your discipleship of others?

Are you helping others understand both the cost and the power of following Jesus?
What changes can you make in your discipleship relationships to emphasize holy living?

9. How are you stewarding your body, mind, and time for God’s purposes? (v.13)

In what ways can you present more of your life to God as an “instrument of righteousness”?
Is there something specific you need to give up or take on to better serve Him?

10. What does “newness of life” (v.4) mean for your current season or challenges?

Where do you need God’s resurrection power to renew your perspective, choices, or relationships?
How can you encourage others to live out this “new life” with boldness and joy?