Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? ASV
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? KJV
Rom 6:1 What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? LITV
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COMMENTARY
Paul is saying here that a Christian should not
continue in sin. That can only mean that he should stop sinning! This is the essence of
the New Life in Christ that all Christians possess.
"Sin" and "not sin" at the same time is a logical contradiction.
Therefore it is false. Yet there are people who hold that a person can
sin and walk in holiness at one and the same time.
The notion that a Christian cannot stop
sinning and that everything he does is "tainted with sin" cannot stand
under the fantastic pressure of this chapter in Romans! As well it is
at odds with the rest of the entire Bible folks! If you are of that
persuasion then consider these questions.
*If a Christian cannot stop sinning, which means he sins 24/7 then is
his salvation filled with sin? Is he sinning when he repents? When he
exercises faith in the Gospel is he sinning? When he believes on the
Lord Jesus Christ is such belief "tainted with sin"? Is salvation by
sinful faith? When he prays, is he sinning? If you answer Yes to any of
these then you have tons of Scripture to explain starting here in
Romans 6. The Apostle John said... "He that says, 'I know him', and
keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him"
1John 2:4. If a Christian cannot stop sinning then that means when he
claims to know God he is lying and showing that there is no truth in
him. Either that or you must explain how a person can "keep his
commandments" while he is sinning at the same time!¿ Then you
need to define the whole doctrine of Sanctification so that it
-includes- sin! But such a notion is patently absurd folks! How can a
man walk in holiness while he is sinning at the same time?
The theme of chapters 4 & 5 is the great Biblical Doctrine of
Justification by Faith Alone wherein all human effort is completely and
totally excluded from the sinner's acceptance with God. Justification
has no fellowship with human effort of any kind. It subsists completely
on its own. It's self-existent. Works, good or bad are irrelevant. They
are completely foreign to and have no bearing on one's acceptance with
God. From that Biblical platform it is not only easy but almost natural
to conclude that, if what I do has no bearing on my relationship with
God... well then, sin is in! I'm Justified by Faith and Faith operates
outside the realm of the law. Therefore, as long as I have Faith my sin
does not affect my relationship to God.
Such reasoning says the Apostle Paul, is completely against the Gospel
of salvation by grace. This is what this chapter is all about. The
Theme here is Newness of Life which is a life marked out or
characterized by an absence of sin. This Newness of Life is the
necessary consequent of true Biblical Faith that follows Justification.
True Biblical Justification evidences itself by the fact that the
person stops sinning. Therefore anyone who is still Practicing sin has
no Biblical claim to being Justified.
Paul's question is rhetorical and expects
a No answer, which he gives in the next verse. Now think about that. Paul asks if a Christian should
continue in sin. If the answer is No.. and it is, then that can -Only-
mean that a Christian can -stop sinning-! No other conclusion makes sense.
Romans
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