In our study of Romans we’ve looked at Sin and Salvation. Now let’s consider the 3rd main point in Romans: Sanctification. This is the process of growing into the likeness of Jesus Christ. The first two points took us up through Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The next section, sanctification, is introduced in Chapter 6 and developed in chapters 7 -8.
This means I’m overlapping chapter 6, but this is often the way we experience salvation and sanctification. When we’re saved, all that God wants us to know experientially in our relationship with Jesus Christ is ours. Positionally we are as it says in Romans 6, dead to sin but alive to God. So, we have what might be called positional realities. In chapter 7 we’ll find practical dynamics. In chapter 8 we’ll find powerful potential.
Paul begins chapter 6 with the question, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” The reason he gives is this: “We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”
For many who’ve become Christians this is an enigma. We find within us a pull toward sin. Not always, but it is there. I at times don’t seem to be dead to sin. So what is Paul saying here? We’ll find the answer as we study Romans 6 through 8.
Living victoriously starts by knowing where you stand in Christ positionally. Then you need to discover what God has provided to enable you to live out practically what you are positionally by faith.
