Romans 6:10 – “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.”

Extended Explanation

This verse highlights two critical truths about Jesus Christ: His death and His resurrection.

First, Paul says, “The death he died, he died to sin once for all.” This means that when Jesus died on the cross, He completely and permanently dealt with sin. He did not die for His own sin—He was sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21). He died as a sacrifice for our sins. And He only had to do it once. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices that had to be repeated over and over, Jesus’ death was final. It was enough to cover the sins of all people for all time.

Second, “the life he lives, he lives to God.” After Jesus rose from the dead, He entered a new phase of life. He was no longer under the power of death or sin. Now, He lives fully and forever to glorify the Father. His resurrection life is eternal, and He is now seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25).

This verse teaches us that just as Jesus died to sin and now lives for God, we should also consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11).

Historical Context

Paul was writing to both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. Many of the Jewish Christians were familiar with the Old Testament sacrificial system, where priests had to offer sacrifices for sin continually. The idea that Jesus’ death happened once for all would have been a radical truth for them. It meant that the endless cycle of sacrifices was over—Jesus had completed the work.

For Gentile believers, the idea of sin and sacrifice may have been less familiar, but they understood the power of death. In their pagan religions, gods were often thought to be unpredictable, and people had to constantly offer sacrifices to keep them happy. Paul was teaching them that Jesus’ death was sufficient—there was no need for additional sacrifices. Jesus’ resurrection proved that His sacrifice was enough.

Theological Implications

This verse carries deep theological meaning:

1. Jesus’ death was final and complete. There is no need for further sacrifices—His death fully satisfied the penalty for sin.
2. Sin no longer has power over Jesus. When He died, He broke the power of sin completely.
3. Jesus now lives fully to God. His resurrection life is a model for how believers should live—fully surrendered to God.
4. Believers share in His victory. Since we are united with Christ, His death to sin and His new life apply to us as well (Romans 6:11).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s sentence structure in this verse is intentional.

• The phrase “The death he died” focuses on the past, pointing to the one-time nature of Christ’s sacrifice.
• The phrase “The life he lives” focuses on the present and future, emphasizing Christ’s eternal life in God’s presence.

The contrast between death and life is a key theme in Romans 6. Paul is showing that Jesus’ death was not the end—it was the turning point. His resurrection means He now lives in perfect obedience and fellowship with God forever.

Paul also uses the phrase “once for all” (hapax in Greek), which means something that happens a single time with lasting results. This shows that Jesus’ work on the cross does not need to be repeated.

Biblical Cross-References

• Hebrews 9:26-28 – “But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
• 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
• Revelation 1:18 – “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
• Colossians 3:1 – “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

These passages confirm that Jesus’ death was final, His resurrection was victorious, and He now lives forever with the Father.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse is both a comfort and a challenge.

• We can rest in the finished work of Christ. There is no need for us to try to “earn” salvation—Jesus already paid the price in full.
• We should live as people who are dead to sin. Just as Jesus’ death meant the end of sin’s power over Him, we should no longer live under sin’s rule.
• We are called to live for God. Since we have been raised with Christ, our lives should be focused on glorifying Him, just as Jesus now lives to God.

Many Christians struggle with guilt, feeling like they have to “make up” for their sins. But this verse reminds us that Jesus’ death was enough. We don’t have to keep sacrificing—we simply need to walk in the new life He has given us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse is a clear display of God’s love. God did not demand endless sacrifices—He provided one perfect sacrifice in Jesus.

• His love is shown in Jesus’ complete victory over sin. We don’t have to live in fear of condemnation because Christ’s death covered it all.
• His love is seen in Jesus’ eternal life. Because Jesus lives, we can have confidence that God’s promises are true.
• His love calls us into a new life. Just as Jesus lives to God, we are invited into a close, loving relationship with our Creator.

God’s love is not temporary. Jesus’ resurrection proves that His love is eternal, and He invites us to share in that everlasting life.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse:

• He died to sin once for all. (Hebrews 10:10 – “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”)
• He now lives forever to God. (Romans 8:34 – “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”)
• His life gives us life. (John 14:19 – “Because I live, you also will live.”)

Our entire faith is based on these two realities—Jesus’ death and Jesus’ resurrection. Because He lives, we have hope, freedom, and victory.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus died to sin once for all?
2. How does the finality of Jesus’ sacrifice affect the way you think about your own sins?
3. Since Jesus lives to God, what are some ways you can live for God in your daily life?
4. How does knowing that Jesus’ death was once and for all give you confidence in your salvation?
5. What areas of your life do you need to surrender more fully to God, just as Jesus now lives completely for Him?