What does Romans 6:15 mean?

Explanation

Romans 6:15 poses a rhetorical question followed by an emphatic rejection of the notion that grace allows for a lifestyle of sin.

Paul, the author of Romans, is speaking to the early Christian community who may have misunderstood the concept of grace.

He clarifies that even though Christians are not under the Old Testament Law, but under grace, this does not permit them to live sinfully.

The literal meaning of the verse is clear: living under grace is not a license to sin.

Deeper than that, Paul asserts the transformative power of grace which not only justifies but also sanctifies, changing the believer's relationship with sin.

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans around A.D. 57, addressing both Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome. The early Christian community faced a theological dilemma.

Some believers thought that since they were forgiven through Christ and not bound by the Mosaic Law, they could live as they pleased, and sin would increase grace.

This belief was potentially derived from a misunderstanding of Paul's earlier teaching that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more (Romans 5:20).

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints shed light on Paul's intent in this verse.

In Reformed theology, it reflects the doctrine of sanctification, where grace not only justifies but also transforms a person's life leading to holy living.

Arminian theology may emphasize the role of human free will in choosing to live righteously, even under grace.

Lutheran perspective might focus on how grace reinforces the believer's obligation to live according to God’s will.

Catholicism speaks of grace as enabling believers to cooperate with God's will in avoiding sin.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to consider how they approach their Christian freedom.

It suggests a life of intentional discipleship, wherein grace is seen not as freedom from responsibility but rather the empowering presence of God to overcome sin.

Christians are to use their freedom to serve God and each other in love, recognizing that their actions reflect their commitment to God's grace.

Cross-References

• Romans 3:31: "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."
• Romans 6:1-2: "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?"

• Galatians 5:13: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."

Language Study

The key phrase "God forbid" translates the Greek "μὴ γένοιτο" (mē genoito), which is a strong negative response in the Greek, expressing an idea of vehement rejection.

"Sin" (ἁμαρτία - hamartia) reflects missing the mark or transgression against divine law.

"Under the law" (ὑπὸ νόμον - hypo nomon) indicates being subject to the Law of Moses, while "under grace" (ὑπὸ χάριν - hypo charin) suggests being under the sphere of God's unmerited favor.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The dilemma in Romans 6:15 resonates with various religious and philosophical systems.

For instance, in Buddhism, even though one seeks to transcend worldly attachments, this does not justify indulgence in desires.

Similarly, Roman Stoicism would advocate for a life of moral virtue, not permitting ethical laxity even when one is beyond judgment by a set of written laws.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology and social sciences might examine the behaviors that Paul is addressing from the standpoint of ethical decision-making and behavior modification.

Understanding why people might feel justified to act immorally under a perception of grace could be explored through studies of moral licensing, which is the phenomenon where people permit themselves to do something bad because they believe they have done something good.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various insights into Romans 6:15.

John Stott emphasizes that being under grace does not mean we are free to continue in sin; rather, grace teaches us to live godly lives.

Douglas Moo speaks to the Jewish audience's understanding of the law and suggests Paul's point that those in Christ are not under law but under grace which has a transformative effect.

F.F.

Bruce highlights the apostle's use of strong negative to disassociate the Christian life from sinful practices.

Martin Luther, in his commentary, recognized the freedom from the condemnation of the law, but also admonished that a Christian's life should reflect the holiness grace brings about.