6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. Romans 6:6-7
This passage takes the truth of our union with Christ (us in Him and He in us) and presses it deeper into the reality of our daily walk. Paul says our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be brought to nothing. That’s not just poetic—it’s surgical. The old me, the one enslaved to sin, was nailed to the cross with Jesus. That means sin doesn’t own me anymore. It doesn’t get to call the shots. The power it once had has been broken.
Paul doesn’t say we’ll never sin again. He says we’re no longer enslaved to it. That’s a huge distinction. Before Christ, sin was my master—I obeyed it, often without even realizing it. But now, having died with Christ, I’ve been set free. And if I’ve died with Him, I’ll also live with Him. That’s not just future resurrection—it’s present participation. I live with Him now. His life is in me.
In biblical counseling, Romans 6:6–8 is foundational when helping someone wrestle with life-dominating sin. The counselor doesn’t just offer behavior modification—they point to identity transformation. This passage reminds the counselee that if they are in Christ, their old self has been crucified. They are no longer enslaved to sin, even if it feels powerful. That truth becomes the anchor: sin is no longer their master. The counselor helps them see that sanctification is not about trying harder, but about walking in the reality of their union with Christ—dead to sin, alive to God. The goal isn’t just to stop sinning, but to live as someone truly free.
APPLICATION
So today, when I feel pulled toward old patterns, I remind myself: that’s not who I am. That man died. I’m not a slave anymore. I belong to Jesus. And the more I walk with Him, the more I see the fruit of that freedom—peace where there used to be anxiety, patience where there used to be reaction, love where there used to be selfishness. I’m not perfect, but I’m progressing. And that progression is proof that grace isn’t just a covering—it’s a power. A power that raised me from death and keeps raising me, day by day.