I know what you're saying preacher I know what you're saying you don't need to persuade me that sin is suicidal? I know it. And there's no hope for me.

That's what verse 7 is about. That's what verse seven is about. How does

justification sever the root of despair and free us from sin's power.

In this episode of Light and Truth,

John Piper opens Roman 6, 5 to 10 to reveal the liberating effects of being united with Christ.

This sermon was originally preached at Bethlehem Baptist Church on October 5, 2000.

Because the power of sin is broken,

we know that we'll be raised with him.

Now what does that mean?

Does it mean that our sanctification, our triumphing over sin little by little earns for us the resurrection?

I don't think so. But it does, I think, very clearly imply there won't be any

resurrection without sanctification. No resurrection unto life without sanctification. I think that is here

in verse six, which raises this question for us.

Wait a minute. I thought for two years you've been teaching us that justification by faith alone, apart from any doings, obedience on

our part, secures for us a right standing with God that can't be broken.

And you're right, that's exactly what I've taught and believe is in Romans.

So what's the relationship between justification and sanctification?

And that's exactly... and sanctification.

And that's exactly the right question to ask because that's the question Paul answers in

verse 7.

And all the English versions make it hard to see. To my dismay. In verse 7 he gives the reason for why, why it is, that we will be freed from slavery to sin.

And the verse says,

...