Audio Download

The Book of Romans, Part 14 – Transformed by Grace and Living in Righteousness

[Study Aired September 26, 2023]

Rom 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 
Rom 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 
Rom 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 
Rom 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Rom 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 
Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 
Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 
Rom 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 
Rom 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 
Rom 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 
Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In our previous study, we explored the symbolism of baptism as a means of illustrating our deep connection with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Just as Christ triumphantly emerged from the grave, we are called to embrace a life marked by newness and transformation.

We also delved into the ongoing struggle between the ‘old man,’ representing our former sinful nature, and the ‘new man,’ symbolizing our regenerated self in Christ. It’s a spiritual battle where we are urged to recognize our identity as dead to sin but alive to God through our union with Jesus Christ.

This study also highlighted the liberating truth that sin’s dominion over us has been irrevocably shattered. As a result, we are exhorted to present ourselves as instruments dedicated to righteousness, forsaking the ways of unrighteousness. This message reinforces that we are no longer bound by the constraints of the law but are recipients of God’s favor under the banner of grace.

Ultimately, our exploration underscored the transformative power of Christ’s obedience and the limitless grace extended to us as believers. It continually reminds us of our identification with His death and resurrection. The overarching message urges us to embrace and live in the newness of life, fortified by God’s abundant grace and unwavering devotion to righteousness. However, we must remain vigilant and mindful of the ongoing internal struggle between our old and new natures.

1Pe 5:1-10 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Paul addresses a potential misunderstanding. Just because we are under grace and not the law doesn’t mean we have a license to sin. He emphatically rejects this notion. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of living in obedience to God.

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Paul explains that we become slaves to whatever we obey. Choosing to obey sin leads to spiritual death, while obedience to righteousness leads to life.

Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Paul expresses gratitude that the Romans (we) have turned from being slaves to sin to obeying the truth of the gospel. Their (Our) obedience to the message of salvation has set them (us) free from sin’s bondage.

Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

As a result of our faith in Christ, we are freed from the power of sin and are now servants of righteousness. Our lives should reflect this transformation.

Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Paul acknowledges our struggle with sin but encourages us to use our bodies and actions for righteousness and holiness, just as we once used them for sinful purposes.

Romans 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

When we were living in sin, we were devoid of righteousness. Now, as servants of righteousness, we are set free from the power of sin.

Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

Paul challenges us to reflect on the outcome of our previous sinful lifestyle. It led to shame and ultimately to death. In contrast, a life of holiness and righteousness leads to eternal life.

Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Having been set free from sin, we are now servants of God. This transformation leads to a life characterized by holiness and results in the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

This verse encapsulates the core message of Romans 6. Sin leads to death as its just consequence, but God offers the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that salvation is a gracious gift from God rather than something earned by men’s effort.

In Romans 6, Paul explores the significant impact of a believer’s connection with Christ, emphasizing the life-changing influence of God’s grace, the importance of obeying God, and the sharp contrast between a life dominated by sin and one marked by righteousness. These passages serve as a strong encouragement to live in a state of holiness and to maintain a deep sense of gratitude for the salvation made available through Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:23 is a part of the “Roman’s Road” doctrine of the Baptist church where I was raised as reviewed in an earlier study in Romans. This doctrine shows “The Way to Salvation.” Here once again are the verses of the “Roman’s Road”.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

This verse acknowledges that everyone is a sinner.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

This verse states the punishment for sin is death and the gift of God is eternal life.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

This verse shows us the sacrifice that took place for the sinners.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

This verse gives us the antidote to death.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Finally, this verse tells us those that are eligible for salvation.

While these verses are the truth of salvation, they are not the sum of God’s word on the matter. Those who profess this doctrine do not believe God is the Savior of all mankind. They limit God’s ability and believe He will not accomplish what He pleases.

Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Ezekiel 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Ezekiel 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Psalm 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Psalm 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

1 Timothy 2:3-6 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Philippians 2:10-11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

In this study, we’ve examined Romans 6:8-23 in connection with the doctrine of universal salvation. These verses from Romans 6 primarily focus on our relationship with sin, righteousness, and the transformative power of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

The study begins by highlighting the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection through baptism, emphasizing the call to live a new life in Christ. It underscores the contrast between the “old man” (the former sinful nature) and the “new man” (the regenerated self in Christ) and encourages us to live as instruments of righteousness.

The study addresses the misconception that being under grace gives license to sin, which the Apostle Paul vehemently rejects. He emphasizes that obeying sin leads to death, whereas obedience to righteousness leads to life.

The theme of freedom from sin and slavery to righteousness is evident throughout these verses. We are encouraged to yield ourselves to God, dedicating our members to righteousness and holiness.

The study also reinforces the idea that the gift of eternal life comes from God’s grace through Jesus Christ and contrasts it with the wages of sin, which is death.

The concluding section of the study connects these verses with other passages (1 Peter 5:1-10) that emphasize the importance of humility, vigilance, and resistance against the adversary, Satan. It reinforces that suffering will be part of our journey but ultimately leads to perfection, establishment, strength, and oneness in Christ.

While these verses in Romans 6 highlight the significance of living a righteous life in Christ and experiencing the freedom from sin, the study also touches on the doctrine of universal salvation. It presents the view that God’s desire is for all to be saved. Ultimately, this study encourages us to embrace the power of God’s grace and to live in obedience to righteousness through our faith in Jesus Christ which He gives to u.