Saved from Sin Means … What?

What does it mean to be saved from sin?  There are two very different parts to our salvation from sin.  Romans chapter 6 covers both, with an emphasis on the second part.

When one sins, he bears the guilt of that sin and, therefore, the consequences of that sin.  “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).  Guilty of sin, one is spiritually dead, separated from God.  Salvation from sin is the removal of that guilt – and its consequences – in forgiveness!  When one is baptized into Christ, he connects to the death and resurrection of Christ and thus walks in newness of life.  One’s old (former) self was crucified and the body of sin is done away.  He is freed from sin and death.  That is salvation from sin.  (Romans 6:3-11)

The text continues, however, because there is another question on which this chapter is really focusing.  Note the opening question:  “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”  (Romans 6:1).  We can imagine why this question is being asked.  Since we are saved by grace and forgiven of our sins, it’s no big deal if we continue to sin, some may suggest.  Romans 6:2 answers:  “Certainly not! or “God forbid!”  

Christians should not continue to sin because they have been saved from sin.  They have been saved from the guilt of past sins but also freed from the bondage of sin – the hold that sin has over one.  This freedom that disciples possess to live righteously is the focus of Romans 6.  “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (Romans 6:12).  The saved person has no reason to sin other than that he wants to!  I do not have to sin.  I am free to serve the Lord.  How foolish it would be to present myself as an instrument of unrighteousness rather than as a servant of God.  Sin has no dominion or power over me (Romans 6:13-14).

This is where REPENTANCE comes in.  The old man has been put to death and one walks in “newness of life.”  This change of life is real.  No longer does one live under a cloud of guilt, failure, weakness and hopelessness.  One is new and different — saved and no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:17-18).

One is saved from the guilt of past sins AND delivered from the slavery of more sins.  We must NOT continue in sin…  We are new creatures and servants of God.

Call me if you would like to study Romans 6 more fully.  Don — 212-729-8356.