Romans 6:7–8: For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.
The words “has been freed” are a literally, “has been justified or declared righteous.” The perfect tense of this verb describes a past action with a continuing effect or force. Sin no longer has the legal right to force its mastery and control on a believer, for he has died with Christ. 1
We must know two things: First, we must know something of our immense identity (solidarity) with Christ. Though we cannot fully understand it, we actually did die with him and were resurrected with him in the historical events. Second, this shared death and resurrection means that the dominance of sin has been broken and we are freed from sin. 2
Application
- As a Christian, do you have to be dominated by sin any more?
- Is it possible for you to deal with your temptations the same way that Jesus dealt with His? (Read: 1 Cor 10:13)
Prayer
Lord, teach me how to abide with You everyday, all day.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
2. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.