Biblical Literacy with Mark Lanier

Session 17 – Romans; Romans 6:5-7: Mark Lanier, 09/28/25

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Summary:

Mark Lanier delivers a detailed biblical teaching on Romans 6:5-7, addressing the theological question of whether grace gives believers a license to sin. The session covers:

  1. Introduction
    • Lanier opens by discussing the difficulty of Romans 9-11 and introduces the context through W.H. Auden’s Christmas oratorio, where Herod grapples with the implications of the Messiah’s birth and God’s forgiveness.
    • The Core Question
      • Paul’s response to the question: “Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound?” Lanier explains that Paul doesn’t answer with threats or demands for harder effort, but with a logical, transformative question.
      • Realm Transfer & Baptism
        • Paul uses the metaphor of baptism to illustrate that believers have died to sin and been raised to new life. Lanier explains the Greek concept of “sumphutos” (grown together/united organically) and the perfect tense indicating past events with present consequences.
        • Three Key Verses:
          • Romans 6:5
            • The certainty of union with Christ in death and resurrection
            • Romans 6:6
              • The old self crucified so sin loses its power
              • Romans 6:7
                • Death brings freedom from sin’s dominion
                • Key Teachings:
                  • Knowledge vs. feelings: Believers must know the truth even when they don’t feel it
                  • The old self is “co-crucified” with Christ and rendered powerless
                  • Believers are learning to live free, not fighting to become free
                  • Grace is a transformation power, not a cleanup service for inevitable sin
                  • Practical Application
                    • Lanier emphasizes that transformation happens gradually, encouraging believers to recall God’s goodness and live according to their new nature rather than old habits.

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                      Biblical Literacy with Mark LanierBy Lanier Theological Library