“Sanctification – Dead to Sin"
Romans 6:1-23
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live any longer in it?” [Romans 6:1-2]
This morning we begin a new section in Romans, Sanctification [Rom 6-8]. Sanctification is predicated upon Justification [Rom 3:21-5:21], and Justification is the remedy for Condemnation [Rom 1:18-3:20]. We should be well acquainted with this progression by now. Because all are condemned [by sin]; all need to be justified [through Christ] to have fellowship with God who is holy.
Justification declares the sinner righteous giving him a righteous standing before God; Sanctification makes the sinner righteous producing a changed life through the work of the Holy Spirit. I think J. Vernon McGee described this best in his comment:
“In salvation we are declared righteous, but God wants to do more than declare a person righteous. Justification does not make a person righteous. It means that before God’s holy court, before the bar of heaven, a lost sinner is now declared righteous, but his heart has not been changed. My friend, if you think God intends to leave a sinner in his sin, you are wrong. God wants to make us the kind of folk we should be. So God also has a plan in salvation whereby He not only declares a sinner righteous, but He is also going to make a sinner righteous. That is, God provides a way that a sinner may grow in grace and become sanctified (set apart) for God.”
“…justification is an act; sanctification is a work. Justification took place the moment you trusted Christ – you were declared righteous; the guilt was removed. Then God began a work in you that will continue throughout your life. I believe in instantaneous salvation, but sanctification is a lifelong process. In other words, justification is the means; sanctification is the end.
Justification is for us; sanctification is in us. Justification declares the sinner righteous; sanctification makes the sinner righteous. Justification removes the guilt and penalty of sin; sanctification removes the growth and the power of sin.”
Justification starts Sanctification as the Holy Spirit indwells you and begins to transform your life. Transformation is a process, and at times difficult, but brings liberty as you yield to the Spirit’s work in your life.
“Knowing” is a key word highlighted in verses 6 and 9. Christian living depends on Christian knowing. Knowing and understanding Sanctification is God’s truth that sets us free from the bondage of sin.
