Do You Want to be Freed from Slavery to Sin?
Thinking about Romans 6:6.
knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. (Romans 6:6)
Paul continues his “dive” into baptism to show that the gospel of Christ does not encourage sinful living but promotes holy living.
You Know This.
The Christians in Rome knew by experience what Paul was explaining to them. They knew they had been baptized into the death of Christ and raised up to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4).
When these brethren were baptized they were fully aware of what was taking place. Like these Roman Christians, the child of God is cognizant of the act, what it symbolizes, and the purpose for which he has submitted to that burial. - Wacaster, Studies in Romans, 231
The little phrase “knowing this” is a reminder that baptism is for those who understand its significance and purpose.
The “Once-for-All” Crucifixion of the Old Man.
Who, or what is the “old man" in this passage?
The “old man” is me! The old man is myself in all my relationships with sin and Law before I entered Christ! My “old man” is myself in relation to the “old” Adam. Read 1 Corinthians 15:45ff. - McGuiggan, Romans, 188
This death or crucifixion of the “old man” isn’t something that happens repeatedly - it is a “once-for-all” death. Paul reminded the church in Ephesus of this same idea.
if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, (Ephesians 4:21-22)
This doesn’t mean the Christian will never struggle with temptation ever again (1 John 1:8-10). But it does mean that the person who has been buried with Christ in baptism and has been raised up to walk in newness of life is no longer identified with that "old man” or “body” of sin, but with the “new man” in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11).
No Longer the Slave of Sin.
Being immersed into Christ in obedient, penitent faith sets the sinner free from the cruel taskmaster of sin.
The Redeemer has bought them back from sin with His own blood.
knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you (1 Peter 1:18-20)
All have sinned (Romans 3:23), and the only way to be set free from sin is by the blood of Jesus Christ - which sinners contact when they are immersed into Christ.
The one who has been buried with Christ in baptism has been set free from the dominion of sin. Sin no longer reigns over you (Romans 6:9-11)!