I think I have covered this topic extensively. Why did I do that? – because Paul did it. That is where his emphasis is. Let’s learn to emphasise what Bible emphasises. Paul mentions death and sin 8 or 9 times in the early verses of Romans 6. It is an important concept to him.
But note something very important about being dead to sin. Paul says Christ died to sin. Not He died for sin. Oh He did that too. He died for our sin. But Paul is not saying that here. Rather he is saying Christ died to sin. The same thing is said of us. In Rom 6:10 Paul says Jesus died to sin but then he adds “once for all”. Now He is dead to sin. Because once we are dead, sin no longer has mastery over us. Once we realise as a result of our union with Christ we are hid in him and our old relationship with Adam is dead and buried. We can not go back to it. Therefore we walk in newness of life.
I love this little parable.
Portia Nelson’s Autobiography in five short chapters
Chapter One: I walked down a road, there was a deep hole in the footpath. I didn’t see it and fell in. It wasn’t my fault, it took forever to get out.
Chapter Two: I walked down a road, there was a deep hole in the footpath. I forgot to watch for it and fell in. It wasn’t my fault. I can’t believe I am in the same place. It took forever to get out.
Chapter Three: I walked down a road, there was a deep hole in the footpath. I saw it and still fell in. It’s a habit. It was my fault. I know where I am and get out immediately.
Chapter Four: I walked down a road, there was a deep hole in the footpath and I walk around it.
Chapter Five: I walk down another street.
Portia Nelson
Don’t try to get the victory—you already have it! Appropriate it; use it!
Ian Vail