Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

INTRODUCTION: The Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 6 that the believer’s UNION with Christ brings about a radical TRANSFORMATION. When we come to faith, we are not merely FORGIVEN; we are made NEW. Just as Christ died and rose again, we DIE to SIN and RISE to a new life of GRACE. This week, we focus on our FREEDOM from sin’s dominion and our calling to live in the power of Christ's resurrection.

3-ASSURANCES OF OUR UNION WITH CHRIST

1. BURIED WITH CHRIST = DEATH TO THE OLD LIFE

a. When we come to Christ, our OLD sinful nature is put to DEATH.

            i. Romans 6:4a “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death…”

b.  BAPTISM is not only a SYMBOL but a SPIRITUAL REALITY of being united with Christ in His DEATH.

2. RAISED WITH CHRIST – WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE

a. The RESURRECTION of Christ is not only HISTORICAL, but also TRANSFORMATIONAL.

            i.    Romans 6:4b–5 “…that like as Christ was raised up from the dead… even so we also should walk in

newness of life.”

b. Just as He ROSE, we too RISE to a NEW life filled with His Spirit and POWER.

3. RULED BY GRACE – FREE FROM SIN’S DOMINION

a. We are no longer ENSLAVED to SIN because we are no longer under the LAW’S CONDEMNATION.

          i.    Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

b.  GRACE doesn't excuse SIN; it EMPOWERS us to OVERCOME it.