Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 6:11-15

"Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof: neither present your members unto sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? God forbid." — Romans 6:11-15 (ASV)

The strongest motives against sin, and for promoting holiness, are stated here. Having been made free from the reign of sin, alive to God, and possessing the prospect of eternal life, it is fitting for believers to be greatly concerned with advancing toward it. However, since unholy lusts are not entirely rooted out in this life, Christians must be careful to resist their impulses, earnestly striving, so that through Divine grace these impulses do not prevail in this mortal life.

Let the thought that this mortal life will soon end encourage the true Christian regarding the impulses of lusts, which so often perplex and distress him. Let us present all our faculties to God as weapons or tools ready for the warfare and work of righteousness, in his service. There is strength in the covenant of grace for us.

Sin shall not have dominion. God's promises to us are more powerful and effective for mortifying sin than our promises to God. Sin may struggle in a real believer and cause him a great deal of trouble, but it shall not have dominion; it may vex him, but it shall not rule over him. Should anyone use this encouraging doctrine as an excuse to allow themselves in the practice of any sin?

Let such abominable thoughts be far from us—so contrary to the perfections of God and the purpose of his gospel, and so opposed to being under grace. What can be a stronger motive against sin than the love of Christ? Shall we sin against so much goodness and such love?