Living as the "Undead": Reflections on Romans 6
Death, resurrection, and sin—the themes woven throughout Romans 6—carry profound implications for the Christian life. The Apostle Paul paints a vivid picture of humanity's spiritual condition and God's redemptive plan. At its core, this chapter reveals the reality of what it means to die with Christ and live as one resurrected.
Dead in Sin
Sin is not merely an action or a set of wrongdoings. It's a corrupting force, a spiritual parasite that first entered the human story through Adam's disobedience (Romans 5:12). Like a disease, sin spread through every generation, tainting humanity from birth. This condition leaves us spiritually dead—separated from God and unable to save ourselves.
Paul’s words remind us of this grim truth: sin leads to death, both physically and spiritually. We are born into this world as the walking dead, alive in body but estranged from God, doomed to eternal death unless something changes.
United with Christ in Death
The good news? Something did change. Romans 6:6 explains that, through Jesus’ death on the cross, our "old self" was crucified with Him. This is not a metaphorical concept but a spiritual reality for those who belong to Christ.
When Jesus bore the weight of humanity’s sin, He didn’t just cover it—He destroyed its power. For those who trust in Him, this means their sinful nature has been put to death. While believers still face temptation, sin no longer reigns over their lives. They are no longer slaves to its power.
Resurrected to New Life
Romans 6:4 speaks of resurrection—not just the physical resurrection of Christ but the spiritual resurrection of believers. Just as Christ rose from the dead by the glory of the Father, Christians are called to "walk in newness of life."
This new life isn't a far-off promise reserved for heaven; it's a present reality. Believers are spiritually raised with Christ and empowered to live in obedience to God. This transformative truth is what Paul urges believers to embrace in Romans 6:13: "Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life."
Living as the "Undead"
In a sense, Christians live as the "undead"—once dead in sin but now alive in Christ. This paradox captures the essence of the Christian identity. Though the old self is crucified, the new self has risen, called to a life of righteousness and purpose.
- Reject Sin's Rule: Sin’s power over you is broken. You no longer have to give in to its demands.
- Live for Righteousness: Offer yourself to God as an instrument of good, reflecting His love, grace, and holiness.
- Embrace the Resurrection Reality: Remember, you are not who you once were. You’ve been made alive in Christ—live like it.
A Hope Beyond This Life
The resurrection we experience now is spiritual, but it points to a greater hope: the physical resurrection promised to all who are in Christ. Just as He was raised bodily, we, too, will one day rise to eternal life.
Final Thoughts
Romans 6 calls us to live in light of our new identity. We are no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection, a power that makes us truly alive.
So, let’s live as the "undead"—those who have died to sin and now walk in the newness of life through Jesus Christ.