In this message from Romans 6, Pastor Devon Ortiz unpacks the powerful theological truth that believers are not only saved by grace, but called to live daily by it. Building on Romans 5:21, which emphasizes grace reigning through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ, Romans 6 opens with a profound rhetorical question: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” The emphatic answer is, “God forbid.”

Pastor Devon reminds us that salvation is entirely a work of God, not of ourselves. Yet, while we are not saved by works, we are still responsible to live righteously. He challenges the mindset that views grace as a license to sin, explaining that such a mindset reveals a heart issue. God’s grace is not meant to be abused, but to empower a transformed life.

The message emphasizes that believers, having been crucified with Christ, are dead to sin. Just as a dead man no longer has desires, so too should the believer no longer be enslaved to the sinful nature. This spiritual death means our old self has been buried, and we are called to walk in newness of life. Baptism is presented as a powerful symbol of this truth—being buried with Christ and raised to live a new life through Him.

Quoting Galatians 2, Pastor Devon underscores that we are justified by faith, not by works. Trying to “be better” through effort alone never produces true change—it is only through living by faith, motivated by Christ’s love, and understanding that He gave Himself for us, that we are empowered to live differently.

He also addresses a deeply personal and compassionate example of someone struggling with homosexuality, affirming that all sin, regardless of form, is covered by Christ’s sacrifice. The grace of God has the power to transform even the deepest struggles when we yield ourselves fully to Him.

Importantly, Pastor Devon clarifies that grace is not just for salvation—it’s for every day. It’s by grace that we wake up, think clearly, work, and love others. Living in grace means we don’t excuse sin, but rather live in the power of Christ’s resurrection, with no sin or death having dominion over us.

He closes with a reminder that those who walk in grace may not be “prosperous” in the worldly sense, but they are blessed, cared for, and spiritually prosperous. On the other hand, those who resist God’s will often find themselves void of His blessing. Grace is not a license, but a divine force that allows us to live dignified, set-apart lives for God.

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