ROMANS 6: 1—11. 139

live in sin that grace may abound. This objection arises from ignorance of the doctrine in question, and of the nature and means of sanctification. It is so preposterous in the eyes of an enlightened believer, that Paul deals with it rather by exclamations at its absurdity, than with logical arguments. The main idea of this section is, that such is the nature of the believer's union with Christ, that his living in sin is not merely an inconsistency, but a contradiction in terms, as much so as speaking, of a live dead man, or a good bad one. Union with Christ, being the only source of holiness, cannot be the source of sin. In v. 1 the apostle pre- sents the objection. In v. 2 he declares it to be unfounded, and exclaims at its absurdity. In vs. 3, 4 he exhibits the true nature and design of Christianity, as adapted and intended to produce newness of life. In vs. 5 — 7 he shows that such is the nature of union with Christ, that it is impossible for any one to share the benefits of his death without being conformed to his life. Such being the case, he shows, vs. 8 — 11, that as Christ's death on account of sin was for once, never to be repeated; and his life a life devoted to God ; so our separation from sin is final, and our life a life consecrated to God.