What does Romans 6:6 mean?

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Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:6

Explanation

Romans 6:6 uses the metaphor of crucifixion to explain a spiritual reality for believers in Jesus Christ. The “old man” refers to a person’s pre-Christian self—the nature dominated by sin and rebellion against God. The verse conveys that, metaphorically, this sinful nature was crucified with Christ when a believer puts their faith in Him. This means that the power and penalty of sin have been rendered powerless because of Christ’s sacrifice. Crucifixion being a method of execution in Roman times implies a final and complete end to the old way of life. Believers are, therefore, no longer enslaved to a sinful nature (“the body of sin”) and are called to live a new life of righteousness.

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Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 56-58 to the believers in Rome. At the time, Rome was the center of the Roman Empire, steeped in pagan religious practices and moral decadence. Crucifixion was a common and brutal form of capital punishment reserved for slaves, criminals, and dissidents. Paul’s audience, consisting of both Jews and Gentiles, would be familiar with the concept and the finality of crucifixion.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Romans 6:6 is rich with implications. From a Reformed perspective, it reflects the doctrine of sanctification—the process by which believers become more like Christ. Other views, such as Wesleyan theology, might emphasize that this verse signals a definitive break with sin’s power, potentially leading to entire sanctification or Christian perfection. In Catholic theology, this concept corresponds with the idea of dying to self and is related to the sacrament of Baptism, which signifies the death to sin and new life in Christ.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this teaching suggests believers should identify themselves with the death of Jesus and, as a result, live in a manner that reflects a break from sin. It invites self-examination, repentance, and a commitment to righteousness. Additionally, it can provide comfort and hope that the struggle with sin is not insurmountable because the believer has been set free from sin’s ultimate control.

Cross-References

Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Ephesians 4:22-24: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Colossians 3:9-10: “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”

Language Study

Key words in this verse in the original Greek language include:

“old man” (παλαιός ἄνθρωπος, palaios anthropos): This term signifies the former self, the person controlled by sin before coming to faith in Christ.
“crucified” (συσταυρόω, sustauroo): Literally means “to be crucified with,” pointing to being united with Christ in His death.
“destroyed” (καταργέω, katargeo): This can mean to render powerless, abolish, or to nullify.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, death and rebirth imagery is common. For instance, the concept of dying to an old life and being reborn into a new life is seen in the mythologies of the Phoenix or in certain rituals within mystery religions. However, the Christian understanding of this concept is unique in its association with a historical event—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—and its ethical implications for personal transformation.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community might approach this verse from the psychological standpoint of behavioral change and identity formation. Such an angle could explore the psychological benefits of aligning one’s life with a set of moral beliefs and the impact of a faith-based identity on behavior modification.

Commentaries

Commentators have delved into various aspects of this verse. Matthew Henry views it as an assertion of the believer’s union with Christ in His death, thus leading to the death of sin within the believer. John Stott emphasizes that Christians are to consider themselves dead to sin and alive to God, producing actual moral change in life. F.F. Bruce discusses the ethical implications, suggesting that this indication of dying to sin should lead to a believer’s active repudiation of sin.