Romans 6

The Faith-Remedy illustrated,

3. In the steps of the Renovation.

(a) Exemption from Necessity of Sinning , Romans 6:1-23 .

The statement in Romans 5:20, was one of that kind that subjected Christianity to the slander of teaching us to do evil that good may come. (See note on Romans 3:8.) Paul’s first step, then, is to refute the charge that we may by sin properly deepen our Ruin to enhance the Remedy. He does this upon the great maxim that Christian faith, in its very essence and act, is an utter abandonment of sin, and a most entire and perfect self-surrender to holiness; that is, self-surrender to Christ, who is the complete embodiment of perfect goodness. (See notes on Romans 3:22; Romans 4:24.) He enforces this vital truth in the most earnest and intense spirit, bringing his illustrations from the innermost sanctuary of the Christian religion, using a variety of conceptions drawn from the person and history of the holy Jesus.

As Christ had a death, burial, and resurrection, so has the Christian a death and burial to sin and a resurrection to holiness, (Romans 6:4-5.) The unregeneracy is crucified; this death is freedom from sin, and thence with Christ we rise to holiness to die no more, but ever live unto God, (Romans 6:6-11.)