While reflecting on Romans 6:1-14—a passage worth revisiting regularly—I found a profound answer to the problem of sin: the transforming power of grace. Paul begins with a rhetorical question, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” (Romans 6:1). He immediately refutes this misunderstanding: “By no means!” (6:2). For Paul, grace isn’t a license to sin; it’s a call to a transformed life.
Paul explains that those in Christ have “died to sin” through baptism, symbolizing an end to the old life. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead … we too may live a new life” (6:4). This new life is a rebirth—freed from sin’s bondage and empowered to live for God. Paul emphasizes that “our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (6:6). This crucifixion breaks sin’s hold, allowing believers to live under grace’s reign.
The passage culminates in a powerful declaration of freedom: “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (6:14). Living under grace enables us to overcome sin, not indulge in it, as God’s Spirit transforms our hearts and actions.
This transformation by the Spirit underscores that a nominal, “in name only” Christianity, is impossible. True Christianity demands a life that reflects Christ’s teachings. Paul’s words in Romans 6:6, “that we should no longer be slaves to sin,” echo Jesus’ call to authentic discipleship, seen when He spoke of bearing one’s cross (Luke 9:23) and condemned lukewarm faith (Revelation 3:15-16). Faith here isn’t a label but a transformative relationship with Christ—“… sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (6:14).
Nominal Christianity, which only engages with faith superficially, misses this transformation and the depth of life in Christ. In essence, the concept of “nominal Christianity” contradicts the very heart of the gospel, which calls for an active, committed life in Christ affecting every aspect of our being. Anything less fails to capture the fullness of genuine faith.
