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The Epistle to the Romans.
#45. Romans 6: 14 - 7: 6.
"Receive not the grace of God in vain" (II Cor. 6: 1).
pp. 9 - 13
We have seen in the opening section of Rom. 6: that sanctification operates within a
new sphere--"newness of life", and consequently presupposes justification as an
accomplished fact. Justification brings "peace with God" and "access by faith into the
grace wherein we stand" (Rom. 5: 1, 2). This new sphere necessitates a new condition--
"oneness with Christ". It is, moreover, impossible to think of newness of life and union
with Christ, and at the same time of a state of bondage, therefore we have seen that there
is a new state--"freedom from bondage":--
"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under
grace" (Rom. 6: 14).
This is the language of heaven. This must be the atmosphere of the new creation, but
what is the possible effect upon believers during this present time of imperfect realization
while in this mortal body? Alas! we know only too well.
The next section opens with a question that reveals the need of much correction and
careful walk while rejoicing in this blessed liberty. The whole trouble seems to resolve
itself into the way in which we translate the word "freedom". Shall we translate it
"liberty" or "licence"? Liberty in the scriptural sense recognizes the Lord "Whose we
are, and Whom we serve". Licence casts away all restraint, denies all responsibility, and
acknowledges no lord but self. To the correction of this fatal error the apostle now
addresses himself. The subject is so important that we give the structure here:--
Romans 5: 20 - 7: 6.
A1 | 5: 20, 21. STATEMENT.--"Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound."
B1 | 6: 1. QUESTION.--"Shall we continue in sin that grace abound?"
C1 | 6: 2. REPUDIATION.--"God forbid" (me genoito).
D1 | 6: 3-14. ANSWER.--
| The dominion of sin and death (6: 9-14).
| The body of sin "destroyed" (katargeo) (6: 6).
| Newness of life (6: 4).
A2 | 6: 14. STATEMENT.--"Ye are not under law, but under grace."
B2 | 6: 15. QUESTION.--"Shall we sin because we are not under law, But under grace?"
C2 | 6: 15. REPUDIATION.--"God forbid" (me genoito).
D2 | 6: 16 - 7: 6. ANSWER.--
| The dominion of law (7: 1).
| The law "delivered from" (katargeo) (7: 2-6).
| Newness of spirit (7: 6).