Kevin Conner
June 12, 2026
“Kevin Conner”
Blessings folk!
Let’s see what Kevin Conner has to say about Romans 6-8.
I recommend his writings…well, except for “end-times” stuff. LOL
Kevin Conner on Romans 6–8: Sanctification, Union with Christ, and Life in the Spirit
Kevin Conner (in his verse-by-verse Epistle to the Romans: A Commentary) presents Romans 6–8 as the practical outworking of justification by faith. These chapters address how grace produces holiness, not license or legalism. The believer’s union with Christ breaks sin’s power, frees from the law’s bondage, and empowers victorious living through the Holy Spirit. Conner emphasizes foundational doctrines, identification with Christ, and the Spirit’s role in progressive sanctification.
Romans 6: Identification with Christ – Dead to Sin, Alive to God
Paul answers the antinomian objection: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” (6:1) — “God forbid!” Grace reigns through righteousness unto holiness.
Union with Christ’s Death and Resurrection (6:1–10):
Water baptism pictures identification: crucified, buried, and raised with Christ.
The “old man” (sin nature) is crucified; sin’s dominion is broken.
We died to sin once for all; Christ’s death was to sin — we share His victory and newness of life.
Reckoning and Yielding (6:11–14):
“Reckon” (count as true by faith) yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ.
Do not let sin reign in the mortal body; yield (present) your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
Under grace, not law — sin shall not have dominion.
Slavery, Fruit, and Wages (6:15–23):
Two masters: sin (leading to death) or obedience/righteousness (fruit unto holiness, end = eternal life).
Grace produces willing servants who bear holy fruit.
Conner Emphasis: Sanctification begins with knowing positional truth (identification/union), reckoning it by faith, and yielding daily. This is foundational for holy living.
Romans 7: The Law’s Ministry and Limits – Freedom from Legalism
The law cannot sanctify (as it could not justify). It reveals sin but cannot empower victory. This chapter exposes the futility of self-effort under law.
Released from the Law (7:1–6):
Marriage analogy: Death (with Christ) frees us from the law’s husband-like dominion.
Now “married to Christ” to bring forth fruit to God in the newness of the Spirit, not the oldness of the letter.
The Law’s Holy but Condemning Role (7:7–13):
The law is good and spiritual but arouses sin (e.g., “Do not covet”).
Sin uses the commandment to deceive and produce death, revealing sin’s exceeding sinfulness.
The Inner Struggle (7:14–25):
Carnal experience under law/self: delight in God’s law inwardly but captive to indwelling sin.
“O wretched man that I am!” — the cry of defeat when relying on flesh.
Mind serves God’s law; flesh serves sin’s law. Deliverance is through Jesus Christ (transition to ch. 8).
Conner Emphasis: The law convicts and instructs but cannot impart power. Legalism leads to frustration; true freedom comes from the Spirit and union with Christ.
Romans 8: Life in the Holy Spirit – No Condemnation and Full Assurance
The triumphant answer to Romans 7. What the law could not do, God did by sending His Son and giving the Spirit. The Spirit fulfills what the law demands.
No Condemnation and Freedom in the Spirit (8:1–17):
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.”
The Spirit of life frees from the law of sin and death; the righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in those who walk by the Spirit.
Flesh vs. Spirit mindsets (death vs. life/peace). Mortify the deeds of the body by the Spirit.
Adoption as sons; the Spirit bears witness; joint-heirs with Christ.
Suffering, Hope, and God’s Purpose (8:18–30):
Present sufferings not worthy to be compared with future glory.
Creation groans; believers groan for redemption; the Spirit helps with groanings in intercession.
All things work together for good; the unbreakable golden chain (foreknown → predestined → called → justified → glorified).
More Than Conquerors (8:31–39):
God is for us — He gave His Son and justifies. Christ intercedes.
Nothing in creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We are more than conquerors.
Overall Conner Emphasis: Romans 6–8 form a complete unit on sanctification. Union with Christ (death/resurrection) breaks sin’s power; freedom from the law prevents legalism; the indwelling Holy Spirit provides power, adoption, assurance, and victory amid suffering. Conner stresses practical identification, daily yielding, and Spirit-led living as the path to holiness and security. This section grounds every major Christian doctrine in experiential reality.