By: Junior Tate
One of the greatest truths in the Christian life is that salvation does not merely forgive a sinner’s past; it brings that person into a new spiritual position before God. The believer is not only forgiven but placed “in Christ.” To be in Christ means the believer is united with Him in His death, burial, resurrection, life, righteousness, and victory.
The title “Dead to Sin, Alive to God” comes directly from the truth taught in Romans chapter 6. The Christian life is not a life of continuing in sin because grace is available. It is a life of walking in newness of life because the believer has been joined to Christ.
The Bible does not teach that a saved person becomes sinless in the flesh. Believers still battle temptation. They still must deny the flesh. They still must walk in the Spirit. But Scripture does teach that the believer’s relationship to sin has changed. Sin is no longer the believer’s master. The old life has been judged in Christ. The believer now belongs to God.
The Great Question: Shall We Continue in Sin?
Romans 6:1-2 (KJV)
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Paul asks a very important question. Since salvation is by grace, should believers continue in sin so grace may abound? His answer is strong: “God forbid.”
Grace is not permission to live wickedly. Grace is the power of God that saves sinners and teaches them to live differently. A person who truly understands grace does not use it as an excuse for sin. Grace brings the believer into a new life.
Paul says believers are “dead to sin.” This does not mean sin no longer tempts us. It means sin no longer has the same rightful rule over us. Before salvation, the sinner is under sin’s dominion. After salvation, the believer belongs to Christ.
Baptized into Christ’s Death
Romans 6:3-4 (KJV)
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Paul teaches that believers are identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Christ died for sin. He was buried. He rose again. The believer is spiritually united with Him.
This is why the Christian is called to “walk in newness of life.” Salvation is not adding Jesus to an unchanged life. Salvation brings a new position, a new Master, a new direction, and a new walk.
Baptism pictures this truth. Going down into the water pictures burial with Christ. Coming up from the water pictures resurrection life. Baptism itself does not save, but it gives a public picture of what has happened spiritually in the believer.
The saved person is not called to return to the old life. He is called to walk in newness of life.
Crucified with Christ
Romans 6:5-6 (KJV)
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
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.”
The “old man” speaks of the old life in Adam, the old sinful identity under the rule of sin. Paul says the old man is crucified with Christ. This means the believer’s old position has been judged at the cross.
The purpose is clear; “that henceforth we should not serve sin.” A Christian should not live as a servant of the very sin from which Christ delivered him.
This does not mean the flesh disappears. The believer still must reckon, yield, obey, and walk in the Spirit. But sin is no longer the rightful master. Christ has broken sin’s dominion.
Freed from Sin’s Dominion
Romans 6:7-11 (KJV)
“For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
This passage is the heart of the article. The believer is to reckon himself dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The word “reckon” means to count it as true according to what God has said. The believer does not reckon himself dead to sin because he feels strong. He reckons it because God says it is true in Christ.
Christ died unto sin once. He now lives unto God. The believer is united with Him. Therefore, the Christian must not view himself as helplessly chained to the old life. He must believe what God says: he is alive unto God through Jesus Christ.
Do Not Let Sin Reign
Romans 6:12-14 (KJV)
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are 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 the law, but under grace.”
Paul does not say sin cannot tempt the believer. He says, “Let not sin therefore reign.” This means the believer has responsibility. Sin seeks to rule, but the Christian must not yield to it.
The body can be yielded either to sin or to God. The hands, eyes, mouth, mind, feet, and heart should not be instruments of unrighteousness. They should be instruments of righteousness unto God.
The promise is powerful: “For sin shall not have dominion over you.” Why? “For ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Grace does not strengthen sin. Grace breaks sin’s dominion.
Grace Does Not Excuse Sin
Romans 6:15-16 (KJV)
“What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
Paul repeats the question because the human heart often wants to misuse grace. If we are under grace, does that mean sin does not matter? Again, Paul says, “God forbid.”
A person’s life reveals what he is yielding to. If someone continually yields himself to sin with no conviction, no repentance, and no desire for righteousness, he should examine whether he truly knows Christ.
Grace saves, but grace also changes. Grace does not leave a person comfortable in rebellion against God.
Made Free from Sin
Romans 6:17-18 (KJV)
“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
Before salvation, they were servants of sin. But something changed. They obeyed from the heart the doctrine delivered unto them. They believed the Gospel.
Being made free from sin, they became servants of righteousness. Christian liberty is not freedom to sin. It is freedom from sin’s bondage so the believer can serve God.
A lost person may think sin is freedom, but sin is slavery. True freedom is found in belonging to Christ.
The Fruit of the Old Life and the Fruit of the New Life
Romans 6:20-23 (KJV)
“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Paul contrasts the old life and the new life. The old life produced shame and death. The new life produces holiness and everlasting life.
Sin pays wages. “The wages of sin is death.” But salvation is not earned as wages. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
This verse shows both judgment and grace. Sin earns death. God gives eternal life through Jesus Christ.
In Christ: A New Creature
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
To be “in Christ” means the believer has a new identity. He is not merely improved. He is a new creature. Old things are passed away. All things are become new.
This does not mean every spiritual battle disappears immediately. But it does mean the believer is no longer the same person before God. He has been born again. He has a new standing, a new life, a new family, a new hope, and a new Lord.
The Christian life flows from this truth. We do not live holy to become new creatures. We live holy because in Christ we have been made new.
Crucified Yet Living
Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
“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.”
Paul says, “I am crucified with Christ.” Yet he also says, “nevertheless I live.” This is the mystery of the Christian life. The old self-centered life has been crucified, and now Christ lives in the believer.
The life we now live is by faith in the Son of God. Paul also makes it personal: “who loved me, and gave himself for me.” The Christian life is not cold religion. It is a life of faith in the One who loved us and died for us.
Raised with Christ
Colossians 3:1-4 (KJV)
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Because believers are risen with Christ, they are to seek things above. Their affection is to be set on heavenly things, not earthly things. Paul says, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
That is security and identity. The believer’s life is hidden with Christ. Christ is not simply part of our life. Scripture says, “Christ, who is our life.”
This changes how a Christian thinks. The world should not define the believer. Sin should not rule the believer. Earthly things should not control the believer’s heart. Christ is our life.
Put Off the Old, Put On the New
Colossians 3:5-10 (KJV)
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
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:”
Because the believer is dead with Christ and risen with Christ, he must mortify sinful practices. “Mortify” means to put to death. The Christian should not feed the sins Christ died to deliver him from.
Paul names specific sins. He speaks of sexual sin, uncleanness, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication, and lying. Scripture is practical. Being alive unto God affects the body, the mouth, the mind, the desires, and the behavior.
The believer has put off the old man and put on the new man. Therefore, he should live like who he is in Christ.
Dead to Sin Does Not Mean Sinless Perfection
Some may ask, “If I am dead to sin, why do I still struggle?” The Bible answers this by showing the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-17 (KJV)
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
The believer still has the flesh, but he also has the Holy Spirit. The flesh pulls one way. The Spirit leads another way. This is why believers must walk in the Spirit.
Dead to sin does not mean the flesh cannot tempt. It means the believer does not have to obey the flesh as master. The power for victory is not human willpower alone. It is walking in the Spirit.
The Spirit Produces Fruit
Galatians 5:22-25 (KJV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
The fruit of the Spirit is not produced by the flesh. It is produced by the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance reveal the work of God within.
Paul says, “they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” This agrees with Romans 6. The believer belongs to Christ and must not live under the rule of sinful desires.
Not Under Condemnation
Being in Christ also means the believer is no longer under condemnation.
Romans 8:1-4 (KJV)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. This does not mean sin is unimportant. It means Christ has dealt with the believer’s condemnation at the cross.
The law could reveal sin, but it could not save the sinner. God sent His own Son, and sin was condemned in the flesh. Now the believer is called to walk after the Spirit.
The Mind of the Flesh and the Mind of the Spirit
Romans 8:5-9 (KJV)
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
This passage shows a clear distinction. The lost person is “in the flesh.” The saved person is “in the Spirit” because the Spirit of God dwells in him.
If any man does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. This means the Holy Spirit is not optional in salvation. Every true believer has the Spirit of God.
To be alive unto God means the believer has spiritual life through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Sin Should Not Be the Pattern of the Believer’s Life
John also writes clearly about the difference between a life ruled by sin and a life born of God.
1 John 3:6-9 (KJV)
“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”
John is not teaching that believers never commit an act of sin. Earlier in the same letter, he says:
1 John 1:8-10 (KJV)
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
The point is that sin should not be the settled practice and ruler of the believer’s life. A true Christian may stumble, but he cannot be comfortable living in rebellion without conviction. The seed of God remains in him.
Christ came to destroy the works of the devil, not to make peace with them.
Alive to God Means Living for Righteousness
1 Peter 2:24 (KJV)
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
Jesus bore our sins in His own body on the tree. The purpose is stated clearly: “that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.”
Christ did not die so believers could remain unchanged. He died so we could live unto righteousness. The cross saves us from the penalty of sin and calls us away from the practice of sin.
Alive to God Means Presenting the Body to Him
Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Because of God’s mercies, believers are to present their bodies as a living sacrifice. This is reasonable service.
The Christian should not be conformed to this world. He should be transformed by the renewing of his mind. Being alive unto God changes what we do with our bodies, how we think, and how we discern the will of God.
Alive to God Means Belonging to Christ
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
The believer is not his own. He has been bought with a price. That price is the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
Because the body belongs to God, the believer should glorify God in body and spirit. Christianity is not merely something believed in the mind. It affects the whole life.
Alive to God Means Walking in Love
Ephesians 5:1-2 (KJV)
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
A person alive unto God should walk in love. This love is not worldly emotion. It is patterned after Christ, who gave Himself for us.
The Christian life is not only about avoiding sin. It is also about reflecting Christ. We are to walk in love, truth, holiness, forgiveness, humility, and obedience.
Alive to God Means Putting Away the Old Conversation
Ephesians 4:22-24 (KJV)
“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.”
The “former conversation” means the former way of life. The old man is corrupt according to deceitful lusts. Sin deceives. It promises pleasure but brings bondage, shame, and death.
The believer is to put off the old man and put on the new man. This new man is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Alive to God Means Daily Surrender
Jesus taught that discipleship requires denying self.
Luke 9:23 (KJV)
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
The Christian life is daily. The believer must deny self, take up his cross daily, and follow Christ. Being dead to sin is not only a doctrine to understand. It is a truth to live out every day.
Each day the believer must choose to yield to God rather than the flesh. Each day he must follow Christ rather than self. Each day he must remember that he belongs to the Lord.
Alive to God Means Hope in the Resurrection
The believer’s union with Christ also points to future resurrection. Because Christ rose, believers will be raised.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (KJV)
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
In Adam, all die. In Christ, believers are made alive. This includes spiritual life now and resurrection life to come.
Death does not have the final word over the believer. Christ is risen, and those who belong to Him will also be raised.
What It Means Practically to Be Dead to Sin
To be dead to sin means the believer should no longer treat sin as master. Sin may call, but the believer is not required to obey. Sin may tempt, but the believer has a new Lord. Sin may accuse, but the believer stands in Christ.
It means the believer must reckon God’s Word to be true. Feelings change, but God’s truth does not. The Christian must say what Scripture says: I am dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
It means the believer must stop yielding his body to unrighteousness. The mouth should not be yielded to gossip, lying, cursing, or filthy communication. The eyes should not be yielded to lust. The mind should not be yielded to bitterness, pride, or covetousness. The hands and feet should not be yielded to sinful works. The whole life should be yielded to God.
It means the believer should pursue holiness. Holiness is not legalism. Holiness is the fruit of belonging to God.
It means the believer should confess sin quickly. When a Christian sins, he should not hide it, excuse it, or make peace with it. He should confess it to God and trust the cleansing promised in Scripture.
It means the believer lives from victory, not for victory. Christ has already died. Christ has already risen. The believer’s life is now in Him.
What It Means Practically to Be Alive to God
To be alive to God means having spiritual life through Jesus Christ. The believer is no longer spiritually dead. He has passed from death unto life.
John 5:24 (KJV)
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Alive to God means the believer can know God, worship God, hear His Word, obey His commands, love His people, and serve His purpose.
Alive to God means the Holy Spirit dwells within the believer. The Christian is not left alone to fight sin in his own strength.
Alive to God means the believer now lives for God’s glory. Life is no longer about self-rule. It is about Christ.
Alive to God means the believer’s future is secure. Christ is his life, and when Christ appears, the believer will appear with Him in glory.
A Warning Against Empty Profession
The Bible warns against merely saying one belongs to Christ while living in continual rebellion.
Titus 1:16 (KJV)
“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
A person may profess to know God while denying Him by his works. This does not mean works save. Salvation is by grace through faith. But true faith is not empty. A changed heart produces changed direction.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Verses 8 and 9 show that works do not save. Verse 10 shows that saved people are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved unto good works.
A Word to the Believer Who Is Struggling
Some believers struggle deeply with sin and discouragement. The answer is not to give up. The answer is to return to the truth of God’s Word.
Remember who you are in Christ. You are not sin’s property. You have been bought with a price. You are not under condemnation. You are alive unto God.
Confess sin. Forsake it. Walk in the Spirit. Feed on the Word. Pray. Stay close to the Lord. Do not trust the flesh. Yield yourself to God daily.
Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
God finishes what He begins. The believer’s hope is not in personal strength, but in the faithfulness of God.
A Word to the Lost
If you are not saved, you are still dead in sins. Religion cannot give you life. Good works cannot erase sin. Turning over a new leaf cannot make you a new creature. Only Jesus Christ can save.
Ephesians 2:1-5 (KJV)
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved;”
The lost sinner is dead in trespasses and sins. But God is rich in mercy. He gives life through Christ. Salvation is by grace.
Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again. He can forgive you, save you, and make you new.
Romans 10:13 (KJV)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Conclusion: Live Like Who You Are in Christ
To be dead to sin and alive to God is not a religious slogan. It is a biblical reality for every true believer. The Christian has been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The old man has been crucified. Sin is no longer the rightful master. The believer now belongs to God.
This truth must be believed, reckoned, and lived. The Christian must not continue in sin as though grace gives permission for rebellion. God forbid. Grace calls us to newness of life.
In Christ, the believer is forgiven, justified, sealed, indwelt, changed, and made alive unto God. The life we now live is by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.
Therefore, reckon yourself dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
If the Holy Spirit is convicting and pulling at your heart strings today, give in to Him and follow the prayer below for your salvation in Jesus Christ!
You may not ever get another chance to except Christ as your personal Savior and Lord! Your next breath is not promised!
Come! He’s Waiting on You!
Prayer to Salvation
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today admitting that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy and grace.
Your Word says in Romans 10:9–10 that if I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in my heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, I shall be saved.
Today, I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and my Savior. I believe with all my heart that He died for my sins, was buried, and rose again the third day.
Lord Jesus, I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. Wash me clean in Your precious blood. I turn from my old life and surrender fully to You.
Come into my heart, make me a new creature, and fill me with the Holy Spirit. From this day forward, I choose to follow You, live by Your Word, and walk in the new life You have given me.
Thank You, Lord, for saving me, for forgiving me, and for writing my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I give You all the glory, honor, and praise.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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