ROM 6:1

Introduction

Many Christians regard Romans six, seven and eight as the greatest chapters in the Bible. At the same time, because they are so hard to understand, they are considered to be a great mystery and the “deep things of God.” These three chapters have had a greater number of interpretations applied to them than any other chapters in the Bible. After forty-five years of being a Christian I have found that the theme of these chapters has a thick cloud of obscurity over it, and needs more discernment than any other passage in Scripture. They are talking about the doctrine of sanctification or the believer’s spiritual growth and maturity. My goal is not to give a commentary on these chapters but to give you information in a way that can be applied to your everyday walk toward holiness.

Sanctification

The apostle gives an answer, in verse one, to a plausible objection to his doctrine of grace given at the end of chapter five. Some might say his doctrine of grace leads to a free ticket to sin and to live a worldly life style. But what he is really saying is that a believer’s justification and sanctification are bound so closely together that they can not be separated. Because of this principle we, as believers, are to feel secure from the penalty of sin, and at the same time to strenuously keep away from the performance of it.

The Accusation

Paul’s question, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” in verse one, was prompted by his sentence in chapter five, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” There should not be a chapter division placed between chapter five and six. Let the theme flow from one chapter to the other. If a person’s view of sanctification is a correct one, then there should always be the possibility of this accusation, that they are promoting the free participation in sin without any consequences. Paul is going to show us how this is not a correct assumption.

Use

The main point to remember here is that justification and sanctification can not be separated. Both are the product of grace. You are justified by grace and you are sanctified by grace. The Holy Spirit justifies you and the Holy Spirit sanctifies you. So then, just how do you grow? He will explain.