Romans 6:1 states, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? This was a controversial statement in Paul’s day and continues to spark debate in the 21st century.
The misinterpretation of this scripture resulted in the following extremist points of view: One group proposed strict adherence to the Mosaic law, citing such rituals as circumcision as a requirement for salvation. Conversely, their opponents, known as Antinomians, felt that one could lay aside all moral restraints. Their position was that Christians could do as they pleased and the more they sinned, the more grace they would receive. As we examine the state of the world today, it appears that many have taken this position and see no need for a moral code.
Paul’s response to the passage was simply noted in Romans 6:2 as “God forbid.” Paul wanted the hearers to understand that the finished work Christ completed on the cross, does not require works for salvation but neither does it negate the responsibility of resisting sin through the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in believers. Because Jesus overcame death and was resurrected to a new life, we can be victorious over sin and rise to a new life as we yield to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. True freedom in Christ is not the liberty to do what we want, but the divine enablement to do what we ought to do that in and of ourselves we cannot. As we yield to the power of God that worketh within us, we will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, not exhibit the works of the Flesh. (See Galatians 5: 19-23.) I like to think of our new life in Christ this way: If our former life is likened to a diseased pear tree that died due to disease (which we will equate to sin); in its place, a new apple tree is planted (representing new life in Christ) and now thrives due to the nourishment it receives from good soil, regular watering, and sun. The fruit produced by the new tree will be healthy apples or good fruit. Diseased pears will not appear on the new tree. Likewise, in our new life in Christ, when we are nourished by the word of God and seek counsel from God through prayer and studying the word; with the intent of being a follower of the word, the fruit from our old nature should not reappear in our new life in Christ. While we may error from time to time, we have been given the power to live victorious over sin. Christ has made us more than conquerors enabling us to grow as new creatures. (See 2 Cor 5:17) He molds and shapes us into His likeness day by day. Therefore, grace should never be seen as an encouragement to sin! Our union with Christ makes it impossible to continue a life devoted to sin. (See 1 John 3:6)
I am thankful that God has equipped us with the power to live victoriously when we trust Him and follow His lead. Remember, Jesus conquered death and the grave on Calvary’s cross. I pray you will take comfort in knowing that because He lives you can live and walk in the victory over sin that Christ affords to all those who put their trust in Him.
Rejoicingly yours,
Angela
