Romans 6 | Daily Bible Reading & Reflection

Romans 6 Devotional: Explore the profound reality of our union with Christ. Learn what it means to be "dead to sin and alive to God" through faith, and how baptism serves as an outward expression of this internal transformation.

Dear brothers and sisters, peace in Christ. Welcome to Romans 6. If you have ever wondered, "If grace abounds where sin increases, should I just keep on sinning?"—you are not alone. Paul anticipated this question and gives us the ultimate answer today. We are stepping into the deep theology of our identity: we are no longer who we once were. Let us prepare our hearts to understand the life-changing power of the Gospel.

Romans Chapter 6 Introduction: The New Life: Dead to Sin, Alive to God

Paul begins this chapter by declaring a definitive "By no means!" to the idea that grace allows us to live however we want. He explains that our salvation has fundamentally changed our nature. We have been "baptized into Christ Jesus," meaning we have been joined to Him in His death and His resurrection. Just as Christ died and was raised to never die again, we have been raised into a new way of living.

What can we learn from this today? In this chapter, we see the true power of Salvation. As your Statement of Faith affirms, believers are justified, forgiven, and born again by the Holy Spirit. This isn't just a "fresh start"; it is a new creation. We are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness. This does not mean we are instantly perfect, but it does mean that the "dominion" of sin is broken. We now have the capacity, by the power of the Spirit, to present our bodies as instruments for God’s purposes. This chapter asks us: Do we believe that we are truly dead to sin? The Gospel doesn't just ask us to change our behavior; it tells us that our old self was crucified with Christ so that we might walk in newness of life.

Bible Verse - Romans 6

6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

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.

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

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

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Prayer

The Apostle Paul urges us, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." As we enter into prayer, let us claim this identity and ask the Spirit to help us live into the reality of who we are in Him.

Prayer Theme: "Instruments of Righteousness"

Dear Heavenly Father, We praise You for the gift of salvation and the glorious truth that we have been united with Your Son. We believe that we have been born again by the Holy Spirit and that the power of sin has been broken by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Lord, help me to live out my identity today. When I am tempted to fall back into old patterns of disobedience, remind me that I am dead to sin—it no longer has any claim over me. I offer myself to You today as an instrument of righteousness. Lead me by Your Spirit so that I might use my life, my time, and my energy for Your glory. Thank You for the grace that justifies me and the power that sanctifies me.

We lift up those who are struggling to break free from the chains of past sins; may they find the freedom that is already theirs in Christ Jesus. We pray for our local church to be a place where we encourage one another in this "new life," helping one another to put off the old ways. We ask that Your Gospel would continue to reach those who are still slaves to sin in the world, that they might hear the good news of redemption and find true freedom in You. May Your Church be a witness to the transforming power of the Resurrection in all the earth. Amen.

Daily Application Question

Paul says to "count" yourself dead to sin. This implies a daily choice of faith. What is one habit or thought pattern you need to "count" as dead today, and what "instrument of righteousness" will you use in its place?

Frequently Asked Questions about Romans 6

What does it mean to be "baptized into his death"? Baptism is an ordinance expressing our union with Christ. It symbolizes that just as He went into the grave, we have symbolically died to our old life of sin, and just as He rose, we have been raised to live for God.
Does this chapter mean Christians never sin again? No. Paul is talking about the position of the believer. Sin no longer has the legal right to rule over us, but we still must battle the flesh. We are "dead to sin" in our standing before God, but we must daily choose not to let it "reign" in our bodies.
What is the "fruit of holiness" Paul mentions? It is the natural result of being united with Christ. When we are truly alive to God, our lives begin to change, producing deeds and attitudes that reflect God’s character rather than our old sinful nature.

Thank you for joining us for Romans 6. May you walk in the confidence that you are truly alive to God in Christ Jesus today. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow as we move into the struggle and hope of Romans Chapter 7.

Navigate the Journey

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