Dead to Sin, Alive to God in Christ
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Baker Academic (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
Romans 6 is one of the most important texts on Christian living, conversion, and baptism, and it is foundational for Christian ethics. It profoundly challenges widespread cultural assumptions in the West about individual autonomy and what it means to be authentically human. It also challenges believers to live up to their gospel and its implications. In this exposition of Romans 6, two senior scholars offer guidance on preaching and teaching major Pauline theological concepts. Romans 6 reveals the foundation of Paul's theology and indeed the whole of Christianity: We must die with Christ to live with him. The authors place this important chapter within the context of the entire letter, trace its influence on theology and church doctrine, and show how this classic text can speak afresh to the life of the church today. The book is perfect for sermon preparation and small group study. The Touchstone Texts series addresses key Bible passages, making high-quality biblical scholarship accessible to the church. The series editor is Stephen B. Chapman, Duke Divinity School.
Endorsements (6)
“What does it mean to be a Christian? Snodgrass and Chester take us to the center of Romans to show how the gift of solidarity with the death and resurrection of Christ comprehensively restructures the self. In contrast to a Western 'gospel' of self-determination and self-realization, their precise, lucid, and deeply informed exposition of Romans 6 offers pastors and church teachers a rich engagement with Paul's gospel of grace-transformed lives ordered to the liberating power of Christ.”
“In this learned yet accessible book, Klyne Snodgrass and Stephen Chester unearth the theological and pastoral riches of Romans 6:1–7:6. The result is a treasure trove of exegetical and theological insights that attend to the text and its reception history. This is a must-read for scholars and pastors alike.”
“What is the gospel? What does 'conversion' mean? What is life in Christ ('participation') all about? Few passages in Paul's letters are more central to the gospel, to Christian identity, and to Christian ethics than Romans 6 (actually, Rom. 6:1–7:6). Klyne Snodgrass and Stephen Chester are expert guides to the many dimensions of this powerful text—and to its implications for individual Christians and for the church as a whole. A critical book, not least for those who preach and teach.”
“This is a work of remarkable depth and scale that is informed by contemporary exegetical scholarship and by the richness of historical theology, yet it also succeeds in being accessible to a wide readership. In addition to the expository resources that this book offers to preachers, its sustained consideration of Romans 6 and 7 allows the reader to think through the implications of an approach to salvation that centers on union with Christ.”
“Klyne Snodgrass and Stephen Chester provide an excellent addition to the Touchstone Texts series. Their lively, thorough, and practical engagement with Romans 6 stimulates both intellect and conscience. Readers will gain insight into the Epistle to the Romans and be challenged to live in ways that honor Jesus Christ. Dead to Sin, Alive to God in Christ is exegetically rigorous and pastorally persuasive.”
“Klyne Snodgrass and Stephen Chester challenge the church to teach and preach a message at the heart of the Christian confession of faith: dying to self as the pathway to life. With exegetical detail, deep theological reflection, and an acute sense of the text's reception history, they present Romans 6:1–7:6 as the gospel. They tackle key themes in Pauline theology, including the ruinous effects of sin and death, Christ's decisive victory over these cosmic powers, salvation as the transfer from the sphere of sin to the lordship of Jesus, baptism as the rescripting of human identity, and the obedience of faith as the road to true freedom. Provocative questions—such as why what we do with our bodies matters to God—are addressed and answered. This book is a whirlwind that stirs up issues of identity and faith that cannot be ignored. Bravo for reminding us that the gospel is just as life-changing today as it was in the time of Paul!”
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