Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 6:11

"Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus." — Romans 6:11 (ASV)

In this section Paul uses the key word “count” or “reckon” (GK 3357; the same term used so often in ch. 4 in connection with righteousness). Reckoning does not create the fact of union with Christ but makes it operative in one’s life. The charge to count ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus is in the present tense, indicating a necessity to keep up the process if we are to avoid reactivating the body of sin. Christians are dead and alive at the same time (Galatians 2:20)—dead to sin and self but alive to God. They must give no more response to sin than the dead can give. On the other hand, all the potential that redeemed life affords should be channeled Godward.

Since Paul lays considerable stress on the importance of this process of reckoning, we should inquire about its value—especially in view of the objection that such a process smacks of attempting to convince oneself of something unrealistic in terms of actual experience. The justification for the use of this terminology is at least threefold. (1) This is a command freighted with apostolic authority. God is speaking through his servant, and what God commands must be efficacious. (2) The command is psychologically sound, for what we think tends to be carried out in our actions. (3) This process must not be undertaken in a mechanical fashion, as though there were some sort of magic in going through the motions. We must really desire to have freedom from sin and to live responsibly to God. To that end we must avail ourselves of the means of grace, particularly the diligent use of Scripture and faithfulness in prayer.

This element of willing cooperation receives emphasis in v.12. The implication is that sin has been reigning. Believers must do their part by refusing obedience any longer to sin’s enticements. If the body is kept dead, it will have no ear for the subtle suggestions of evil. Paul’s description here of the body as “mortal” reminds us that despite the glorious asset of being united to Christ, we are still living in a frail instrument subject to the ultimate call of death.

Turning from the body as a whole to its separate members, Paul admonishes his readers not to hand these over to sin (the old master). But this is only half of our obligation. On the positive side, we must offer our total selves to God with our separate bodily capacities “as instruments of righteousness.” Paul concludes this portion of text with an encouragement and an incentive.

He promises the Roman Christians that if they will do as he has enjoined, sin will not be their master; then he adds, “because you are not under law, but under grace” (v.14). Why should law be injected here? Surely because under law sin increases (5:20; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:56). The law lords it over its subjects, condemning and bringing them into virtual slavery. But under grace there is liberty to live in accord with a higher principle—the resurrection life of the Lord himself.

It is worthy of attention that Christians are said to be under grace. Usually grace indicates a principle of divine operation, a moving out in kindness and love to lift the sinful person to God. Here it appears as a disciplinary power, in line with the apostle’s effort to show that grace is not license (6:1ff.; see also Paul’s reminder that God’s grace has appeared for the salvation of all, training us to live sober, upright, and godly lives; Titus 2:11–12).