What is the biblical definition for sanctification, and why does it matter in the Christian life? Sadly, there are many professing Christians who misunderstand this great doctrine. Why is that, exactly? Pastor Tom will show in our study today, sanctification is absolutely crucial for the Christian life.

If you are in Christ, you have been forgiven of all sin—past, present and future. The power of sin in your life has been broken by the work of the Lord Jesus Christ—you aren’t a slave to sin! But rather, you can turn from sin and grow in holiness and Christlikeness.

The apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:11, “Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” What does that mean exactly? Sadly, there is much confusion and bad interpretations exist regarding Paul’s words.

According to the apostle Paul in Romans 6, it’s impossible. In fact, Paul’s whole point in the paragraph we’ve been studying together in this series is this: The dominion of sin; the slavery that we, as Christians, once experienced to sin, was permanently broken at the moment of salvation.

In Romans 6, the apostle Paul makes clear that genuine believers are those who not only claim the name of Christ but also despise and hate their sin. As Paul writes in the opening to Romans 6, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?”

The Scripture teaches that we as Christians can have assurance of salvation based on our new relationship and view of sin. Do you hate your sin and seek to flee from its influence at all costs? Or, do you love it and find ways to delight in it?

God’s word in Romans chapter 6 makes a clear case that all unbelievers are slaves to their own sin—and on their own, they are unable to break free from its chains and shackles. In fact, no one or no thing can break them free, apart from Jesus Christ and His gospel.

According to the apostle Paul, the historical reality of Christ’s death and resurrection is directly connected to the believer’s new life in Christ. Just as Christ died and was buried, so too the Christian also experienced death—death to sin.

If you are a true Christian, the pursuit of holiness ought to mark and characterize your life. According to Romans 6, part of the pursuit of holiness is to understand that sin no longer has reign and dominion over you. In fact, the apostle Paul makes clear that if you have believed in Jesus Christ, sin is no longer the master of your life; it no longer rules your life.