We Who Died to Sin (1)
[Romans 6:1-11]
From today, I would like to meditate on the teaching given in the center of the word in Romans 6:1-11, focusing on the doctrine of sanctification. Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 13 - "On Sanctification" states: "Those who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them. The dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the various lusts arising from it are more and more weakened and restrained. They receive strength enabling them to practice true holiness, growing in grace under the influence of all the means of salvation, without which no one will see the Lord. This sanctification is throughout, in every part, although not perfect in this life; there remains some remnants of corruption in every part. Hence arises a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. In this war, although the remaining corruption may, for a time, much prevail, yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part overcomes and becomes victorious. Thus, the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." The one who has been justified by God must continue to live a holy life in the ongoing process of sanctification. That is, those who have been justified must steadily, continually, and gradually become more like the holy Jesus until they meet Jesus (until His second coming, until receiving Him, until entering heaven with Him). Looking at Romans 6:2 and 11, the Apostle Paul tells the saints in the Roman church that "we who died to sin" (v. 2) and "those who have died to sin" (v. 11), and based on these words, I would like to meditate on the word of God in Romans 6:1-11 under the title "We Who Died to Sin."
As we meditate on the Word of God up to Romans 5, we have learned that we were dead in sin, committing sin, and living in sin. However, through Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for us as the substitute for our sinful selves, we are now those who have no connection with sin, not lovers of sin, and not slaves to sin. In other words, while we were once slaves to sin due to our sins, now, through Jesus Christ dying and resurrecting for our sins, we have become those who died to sin. Romans 5:20 states, "Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." Here, "the law" refers to the Mosaic law, including the Ten Commandments and the books of Moses. The purpose of the law coming in was to make us aware of what sin is and to bring about repentance as we realize our sin. As we become aware of our sin through the law, the grace of the Lord is necessary for repentance. The more we realize our sin, the more grace overflows. However, this does not mean that we should continue to sin so that grace may abound. Romans 6:1-2 says, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" Through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins, we, who died to sin (vv. 2, 11), should not continue to live in sin, enjoying and indulging in it. The lyrics of the hymn "Lately the Life of Christ" express this concept: “Lately the life of Christ burst out alive in me! Old things have passed away, even myself is new. His life floods through me, like rivers towards the sea, His love shines on me like sun shining on the dew” (v. 1), “Life hid in Him makes my gladness of heart increase, I set no price on what pleas'd me in other days. I'm tasting heaven's incredible joy and peace, My life the Lord's for an anthem of pray'r and praise” (v. 2). Through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, we, who died to sin, must live as new beings with the Lord's new life. The old things have passed away, and we are now a new person, experiencing the grace and peace of heaven, living in praise and prayer with the Lord.
In conclusion, through the substitutionary death on the cross of Jesus Christ, we have become those who died to sin. We are individuals with no connection to sin. Therefore, we should not continue to dwell in sin. However, as weak beings who have received justification from God, there are times when we may sin. Yet, this does not mean that we should persistently commit the same sins. Instead, we should live in accordance with the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:12-13 says, "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." The Holy Spirit dwelling within us helps, encourages, and enables us to obey God's Word, allowing us to live a holy life and grow in resemblance to Jesus. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit guides us to fulfill God's good pleasure, and, in modern terms, He works within us so that we may voluntarily act in accordance with God's good purpose. Therefore, we must entrust everything to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work within us.