Commentary on Romans 6:6

Romans 6:6 states: "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."

Overview of the Verse

This verse is a profound declaration of the believer's identification with Christ in His death, implying a radical transformation in the believer's life. It signifies that through union with Christ, believers experience the crucifixion of their sinful nature, termed the "old man," and are endowed with the capacity to live in righteousness.

Exegesis and Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry conveys that the "old man" symbolizes humanity’s sinful nature, inherited from Adam. The crucifixion signifies a decisive blow to the power of sin. He emphasizes that this act of crucifixion is not merely historical but is also experiential for believers, as they must consider themselves dead to sin continually.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes highlights the theological implications of being "crucified with him." This underscores the doctrine of substitutionary atonement and the believer’s identification with the death of Christ. He explains that the "body of sin" refers to the totality of the believer's sinful tendencies and practices, which are rendered powerless through Christ's death.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke stresses the notion that the act of crucifixion was not just an event but a continuous reality. He notes that as believers realize their union with Christ in His death, they are enabled to overcome the temptations of sin. He points out that this verse calls for an active participation in the life of grace, maintaining a struggle against sin.

Theological Significance

This verse introduces significant theological concepts relevant for pastors, theologians, and students:

• Identification with Christ:

  The believer's identification with Christ in death is pivotal in understanding the Christian experience of salvation. This identification implies that all the consequences of sin have been dealt with through Christ’s crucifixion.

• Reality of Sin’s Power:

  While sin remains a present force in the believer's life, this verse teaches that its power has been fundamentally altered. The believer is no longer under the dominion of sin, enabling a life of holiness.

• Call to Sanctification:

  The outcome of this realization is a call to live in obedience to God. The destruction of the "body of sin" signifies the beginning of a transformative journey towards holiness, urging believers to actively choose righteousness.

Pastoral Applications

For pastors, this verse can be applied in several practical contexts:

• Encouragation of the congregation to recognize their identity in Christ, fostering a deeper understanding of grace and transformation.
• Teaching on the nature of sin and the believer's empowerment through the Holy Spirit to live victoriously over habitual sins.
• Providing pastoral care and counseling, emphasizing that believers do not have to be enslaved by their past but can embrace new life in Christ.

Conclusion

Romans 6:6 serves as a pivotal reminder of the believer's new identity and the drive towards sanctification. As we embrace the truth of our crucifixion with Christ, we are invited to explore the implications of living a life free from the enslavement of sin, empowered by grace.