Paul's Letters in the New Testament

Probably one of the most important phrases in all of Scripture is the idea that as a Christian, one is considered dead to sin. The idea and its implications are most common throughout Paul's letters in the New Testament. Paul makes several references and claims to the fact that Christians are freed from sin. But what does this mean? There are so many verses in the Pauline letters that address this idea, that it could become confusing if one attempts to use every single one. There can be many meanings or ideas, but it is best to take a look at a variety of passages to see what Paul means and how it is to be lived out in the life of a Christian.

Part of being dead to sin means that one must be alive in a new manner. Jesus makes this claim and says to Nicodemas in the Bible that one must be born again. Paul makes a similar statement in 2 Corinthians 5 that a believer is a "new creation" in Christ (v.17). From there, one can say that part of being dead to sin means that one is truly alive in Christ. Paul goes on to say that "the old has passed away, behold, the new has come" (v.17). Being dead to sin means that old habits and old lifestyle choices have now passed away, and new passions and a new desire for Christ is made alive in the life of the believer. This doesn't mean that one who is alive in Christ doesn't sin ever again, but it does mean that one who is dead to sin begins to live a new lifestyle that is alive in Christ.

A person who is dead to sin is different because their life will perpetually display Galatians 5:19-21. But with Christ and the Holy Spirit living inside the believer they will live a lifestyle that displays the fruits of the Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness etc. At the same time the person who is dead to sin is kept and sealed by God and according to Romans 8, nothing can separate a believer from the love of Jesus Christ. Paul declares