The following verse in Romans 6 has nothing to do with confessing sin. The following verse has nothing to do with being forgiven from past sins. This verse deals specifically with the “nature” of sin and not the “act” of sin as many people may think. Big difference!
Romans 6:6…Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Notice the language – old man crucified – body of sin destroyed – dead to sin – freed. All in relation to the nature of sin…not the acts of sin.
The old man “is” crucified…with Him (by Christ’s power from the Throneroom). A dead man is freed from the grasp of the sin nature. How? The Spirit of God in light of a living Christ “reduces a saved man to dust at the Savior’s feet”. Salvation allows the believer to recognize the magnitude of who Christ is… thus realization shows a saved man he is nothing in comparison to the living Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God is recognized after the new birth and reduces self to nothing. Self is diminished and buried in light of the Spirit of God’s revelation of Christ. Self is planted after crucifixion takes place. Self is not forgiven. Self is not confessed. Self is ground into dust…by the light of the glorious Gospel. Only saved men know what Christ did. Only saved men can become dust at the Savior’s feet. Then God can use them.
The light of the Gospel is recognized more after men find pardon an forgiveness. How? A Justified man get rid of the still lingering, self. The Spirit reveals and rids a saved man of self. That’s why Romans – chapters 1 through 5 – deal with the acts of sin only….where forgiveness and pardon are found.
Romans chapters – 6-8 deal with the nature of sin where removal, destruction, and freedom from the sin nature becomes the focus.
Thus the language – old man crucified – body of sin destroyed – dead to sin – freed is understood. All thus viewed in relation to the nature of sin…that still exists in the life of a Justified man.
Grace is not limited to forgiveness and pardon only. Grace also rids the believer in Christ of the inherited nature of sin which time to time “tries” to draw saved men back into perdition.
Roman’s 6:6 is the strongest verse in the Bible that “proves” the annihilation of the sin nature rather than forgiveness, pardon, and confession from the acts of sin. Makes men better witnesses for Christ and allows them walk and live with “constant” certainty and victory every day of their lives on this side of Heaven.
Sin is not essential in the life of child of God. Grace is greater than sin.
Romans 6:6…Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.