Romans 6:1-14 Union with Christ: Sanctification (December 21, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"If we are justified by faith and cannot lose our salvation, why not just go on sinning?

That question—raised by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Jews, and even by the Pharisees in Paul’s day—is not new. The Apostle Paul faced it directly in Romans 6: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” His answer: By no means! But the reason he gives is crucial—union with Christ.

In this sermon, we see that the believer’s sanctification is not grounded in self-effort, fear, or uncertainty, but in the reality of being united to the risen Christ. If you are in Christ, you have died to sin with Him and are raised to newness of life with Him. You cannot be united to Christ for justification without also being united to Him for sanctification.

Sanctification, therefore, is not an optional add-on—it necessarily flows from union with the Holy One Himself. True holiness is not achieved by striving in the flesh but by abiding in Christ through the Spirit, prayer, the Word, and worship.

📖 Key Text: Romans 6:1–14

✝️ Theme: Sanctification comes through union with Christ.

🕊️ Main Points:

The objection to justification by faith and Paul’s answer

Dying and rising with Christ in Romans 6

Union with Christ as the source of all sanctification

Fighting sin in the Spirit, not in the flesh

Why holiness is inevitable for those who are in Christ

Takeaway:

You cannot be in Christ and remain unchanged. If He is your righteousness, He must also be your sanctification. All progress in holiness flows from your living union with Him—Christ, our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

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