Fear has a way of sneaking into our lives—sometimes quietly, other times with a paralyzing grip. Among all fears, death looms the largest. It’s the great unknown, the one thing no one escapes. But Romans 6 gives us hope that goes beyond mere comfort. This part of Paul’s letter offers freedom from fear through the victory of Jesus Christ.
Paul says in Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Death entered the world through sin, and as long as sin ruled us, death held power over us. But when Jesus went to the cross, something incredible happened. Death died.
Christ’s death wasn’t just a symbolic gesture. Romans 6:10–11 explains that Jesus “died once to break the power of sin… so you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” Because of the cross, sin no longer has the final word. And because of the resurrection, death no longer has the final sting.
When Jesus saves you, He not only forgives you. But also, He changes you. The process of sanctification then begins. You and the Holy Spirit work together to make your life reflect the holiness of God. Paul writes, “Do not let sin control the way you live… give yourselves completely to God” (Romans 6:12–13). Grace isn’t permission to sin more; it’s power to sin less.
You’re no longer a slave to sin. You’re free. But freedom always has a master. Paul says in verse 16, “You are a slave to whatever you choose to obey.” That’s the truth we often forget: freedom is not found in doing whatever we want. Real freedom is found in following the One who made us.
Permissiveness leads to bondage. Legalism leads to despair. Only Christ offers true freedom. Romans 6 doesn’t just challenge us, it empowers us. You are now “alive to God through Christ” (v11). You’re free from sin’s penalty and power. And that means you can live in holiness. Sanctification is a journey. Some walk faster than others. But we all move in the same direction—toward Christ.
The challenge today is simple: Are you cooperating with the Holy Spirit? Are you living like someone who’s truly been set free? Freedom from sin doesn’t mean you’ll never struggle. It means you no longer have to surrender. Through Jesus, you can say “no” to sin and “yes” to holiness. The chains are off. Death is defeated. Sin has lost its grip.
So stop breathing the air of slavery, and start walking in the power of resurrection life. Because in Christ, sin’s power is broken. And you are free—truly free.