Romans 6:1

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

This verse marks the beginning of a new section in the book of Romans where the apostle Paul addresses the issue of sin and grace. To fully grasp the meaning of this verse, it’s helpful to consider the context in which it is situated.

The book of Romans, written by the apostle Paul, is often regarded as one of the most important theological writings in the New Testament. In the preceding chapters, Paul explains the doctrine of justification by faith and emphasizes the grace of God as the means of salvation, not based on human works. In Romans 5, Paul emphasizes how sin entered the world through Adam and how the grace of God abounded even more through Jesus Christ.

Now, in Romans 6:1, Paul poses a rhetorical question: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” Paul is essentially asking if believers should continue living in sin so that God’s grace may be even more evident and abundant.

The idea behind this question is rooted in the concept of grace. Grace is the unmerited favour of God, freely given to humanity through Jesus Christ. It is not based on our own works or efforts. However, some people in Paul’s time may have misunderstood or misapplied this concept, thinking that since God’s grace covers all sins, they can continue to sin without any consequences.

In the following verses (Romans 6:2-4), Paul provides a clear answer to his question: “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Paul emphatically rejects the notion of continuing in sin. He argues that as believers, we have died to sin through our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Therefore, it is inappropriate for us to persist in a lifestyle of sin.

Paul goes on to explain that through baptism, we have symbolically identified with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In doing so, we have become new creations in Him, freed from the power of sin (Romans 6:3-4). This identification with Christ’s death and resurrection signifies a transformation in our lives, where sin no longer has dominion over us.

Therefore, the purpose of Paul’s question in Romans 6:1 is to emphasise the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives. It is not an invitation to continue in sin but a reminder that our union with Christ calls us to live a new life, free from the bondage of sin.

In conclusion, Romans 6:1 challenges believers to consider the implications of God’s grace and the transformative power it has in our lives. It highlights the need for believers to reject the idea of using God’s grace as a licence for sinful behaviour. Instead, we are called to live in obedience to God, empowered by His grace, and transformed by our union with Jesus Christ.