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Originally Posted by BaptistInCrisis  Quote: |
Are you saying that Romans 6 refers to being dead to sin's power of influence over us, instead of a deadness to it's condemning power over us?
| Charles, no. Sin still yields tremendous influence is this world. But because we are dead to its condemning power (to use your terminology) we are able to use that knowledge to keep from sinning. This is made clear in Paul's reference to baptism by the Spirit and the resurrection in Romans 6. We have something conceptual and real to hold on to in our practical struggle against sin. |
Thanks for your reply. I like that take on baptism, as I remember reading it a week or so ago here on the PB. It is quite a blessing to be able to hold onto during our rough times.
I've just heard many use Rom. 6 to prove that sin no longer has control over our behavior. They use phrases such as "the power chord of sin is now unplugged in a believers life." If you ever read Hannah Whithall Smith's book "The Christians Secret to a Happy Life," you'd get the gist of this view.
I agree that, as you say, "sin yields tremendous influence in this world," but, some would say that Rom. 6 proves that sin no longer has influence or power in the believer, for Rom. 6 says "we have died to sin". That's why I wonder what kind of death this is that we believers have had to sin.