Romans 6:14 - For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.
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What does "Romans 6:14" mean?
Romans 6:14 is a powerful statement about the Christian's relationship with sin and the law, and it's often misunderstood. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Part 1: "For sin will not have dominion over you..."
Dominion: This implies a ruling, controlling power. The verse is saying that sin no longer has the ability to dictate your life, to be the master you must obey.
Will not have dominion: This is a promise. It's not a guarantee that you'll never sin again (we all struggle), but it's an assurance that sin's power over you has been broken. It no longer holds the ultimate authority. You have the ability to resist its pull.
Part 2: "...For you are not under law, but under grace."
This part explains why sin no longer has dominion. It shifts the focus from sin to the believer's standing before God:
Under Law: The "law" here refers to the Old Testament Law, the Mosaic Law. It's a system of rules and regulations that God gave to Israel. Being "under the law" means being judged and condemned by its standards. The Law reveals sin and condemns us for our failures to perfectly keep it. The Law exposes our inability to achieve righteousness on our own.
Under Grace: "Grace" is God's unearned favor, love, and forgiveness bestowed on those who don't deserve it. Specifically, it refers to the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Being "under grace" means that you are no longer judged solely based on your ability to keep the law, but based on God's mercy and the righteousness of Christ imputed to you.
Connecting the Parts:
The key connection is that the law reveals sin, but it doesn't conquer it. In fact, the law can even exacerbate sin by stirring up forbidden desires (Romans 7). The law only shows us how far we fall short.
Grace, through Jesus Christ, provides the power to overcome sin. When we trust in Christ, we are:
1. Forgiven: Our sins are pardoned.
2. Reconciled: Our relationship with God is restored.
3. Empowered: We receive the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength and desire to live a life pleasing to God.
In simpler terms:
Imagine the law as a strict judge constantly pointing out your flaws and failures. This only makes you feel defeated and powerless. Grace is like a loving parent who pays the penalty for your mistakes and then empowers you to live a better life.
Important Considerations:
Not a license to sin: This verse does not mean that Christians can sin without consequence or that it doesn't matter. The grace we receive is not an excuse to indulge in sin. In fact, embracing grace should lead to a greater desire to live a holy life out of gratitude for what Christ has done.
Ongoing Struggle: While sin's dominion is broken, the presence of sin remains in the Christian life. We will still face temptation and sometimes give in. However, we have the resources (the Holy Spirit, prayer, Scripture, community) to fight against sin and grow in holiness.
Focus on Christ: The key is to focus on Christ and the grace He offers, not on trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts. This is the foundation for overcoming sin.
In Summary:
Romans 6:14 is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It proclaims that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are freed from the enslaving power of sin. They are no longer judged by the Law, but live under the liberating grace of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist sin and live a life that honors Him.
Romans 6:14 - For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.
What does "Romans 6:14" mean?
Romans 6:14 is a powerful statement about the Christian's relationship with sin and the law, and it's often misunderstood. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Part 1: "For sin will not have dominion over you..."
Dominion: This implies a ruling, controlling power. The verse is saying that sin no longer has the ability to dictate your life, to be the master you must obey.
Will not have dominion: This is a promise. It's not a guarantee that you'll never sin again (we all struggle), but it's an assurance that sin's power over you has been broken. It no longer holds the ultimate authority. You have the ability to resist its pull.
Part 2: "...For you are not under law, but under grace."
This part explains why sin no longer has dominion. It shifts the focus from sin to the believer's standing before God:
Under Law: The "law" here refers to the Old Testament Law, the Mosaic Law. It's a system of rules and regulations that God gave to Israel. Being "under the law" means being judged and condemned by its standards. The Law reveals sin and condemns us for our failures to perfectly keep it. The Law exposes our inability to achieve righteousness on our own.
Under Grace: "Grace" is God's unearned favor, love, and forgiveness bestowed on those who don't deserve it. Specifically, it refers to the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Being "under grace" means that you are no longer judged solely based on your ability to keep the law, but based on God's mercy and the righteousness of Christ imputed to you.
Connecting the Parts:
The key connection is that the law reveals sin, but it doesn't conquer it. In fact, the law can even exacerbate sin by stirring up forbidden desires (Romans 7). The law only shows us how far we fall short.
Grace, through Jesus Christ, provides the power to overcome sin. When we trust in Christ, we are:
1. Forgiven: Our sins are pardoned.
2. Reconciled: Our relationship with God is restored.
3. Empowered: We receive the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength and desire to live a life pleasing to God.
In simpler terms:
Imagine the law as a strict judge constantly pointing out your flaws and failures. This only makes you feel defeated and powerless. Grace is like a loving parent who pays the penalty for your mistakes and then empowers you to live a better life.
Important Considerations:
Not a license to sin: This verse does not mean that Christians can sin without consequence or that it doesn't matter. The grace we receive is not an excuse to indulge in sin. In fact, embracing grace should lead to a greater desire to live a holy life out of gratitude for what Christ has done.
Ongoing Struggle: While sin's dominion is broken, the presence of sin remains in the Christian life. We will still face temptation and sometimes give in. However, we have the resources (the Holy Spirit, prayer, Scripture, community) to fight against sin and grow in holiness.
Focus on Christ: The key is to focus on Christ and the grace He offers, not on trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts. This is the foundation for overcoming sin.
In Summary:
Romans 6:14 is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It proclaims that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are freed from the enslaving power of sin. They are no longer judged by the Law, but live under the liberating grace of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist sin and live a life that honors Him.