The Great Truth of the Believer's Spiritual Position in Christ
Romans 6:1-11

Lesson 15

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points

1. As to position, a believer has died with Christ.
2. As to position, a believer has been raised with Christ

practical application

Take some time for R&R.

questions

1. What does it mean that we have died to sin?
2. What does the word, “baptized,” mean?
3. What does Christian baptism symbolize?
4. If we have identified with Christ, and our sins have been forgiven, should we be able to continue in sin, knowing that we are forgiven?

answers

1. It has to do with our spiritual position in Christ. When you become a Christian, God not only forgives your sins, but He declares you righteous, and He sees you in Christ, identified with Him.
2. Baptized means to immerse or plunge into. See Galatians 3:27.
3. It symbolizes our position in Christ and our identification with Him. We are buried with Him by water baptism. Water baptism symbolizes our death and burial with Christ, and it also pictures our resurrection with Christ (Romans 5:4-5). When our Lord Jesus was raised on Easter morning, we were raised positionally with Him. That’s the way God sees the believer, in our spiritual position.
4. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Romans 6:1-2

discuss / consider

1. Normally, R&R means rest and relaxation. In the context of Romans 6, however, it means Realize and Reckon. Take time to appreciate and enjoy your position in Christ. First, realize your spiritual position in Christ, then reckon or count it true and act on it.
2. Consider baptism by immersion if you enjoy and appreciate your spiritual position in Christ – dead, buried, and raised.

challenge

Raised, we live in newness of life. We have new life in Christ both in quality and in time. As such, the Holy Spirit gives us power and freedom to overcome sin. Are you experiencing His power in your life?

memorize

• “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Romans 6:1-2
• “Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
• “Reckon yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 5:11