2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
2 Certainly not!
This assertion “certainly not” repudiates the idea—with a resounding “ghastly thought!”—that people should sin more to experience more of God’s grace. Grace never defers to licentiousness. Some people use grace to cloak their sin.
Grace is so dynamic that it breaks the domination of sin. We cannot be cordial with the sin capacity. Grace not only deals with the forgiveness of sin, but it also breaks sin’s domination over the believer.
Paul repeats this point in Romans 6:15. This second question addresses occasional sin, since grace renders habitual sin intolerable. Romans 6:16-23 answers that question. The idea is that the Christian changed owners at salvation. It is not his propensity to sin without regard for his new standing and status.
PRINCIPLE:
There is no justification without resulting sanctification.
APPLICATION:
God does not declare people righteous without giving “newness of life.” Although sanctification has nothing to do with justification, sanctification is the inevitable outcome of justification. Sanctification starts with justification.
When the believer sins, the dethroned evil nature assumes the throne, dethroning Jesus as Lord of his life. The Lord Jesus remains on the throne as long as the Christian yields to the Holy Spirit.
