6:10 died unto sin once. The Greek ephipaz, translated “once” here, actually means “only once” or “once for all.” It is used just four other times, always with this specific meaning. “Five hundred brethren” saw the resurrected Christ “at once” (I Corinthians 15:6). We are sanctified through the offering of the “body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). See also Hebrews 7:27; 9:12.

6:11 reckon. We are not told to try to die unto sin, but rather to realize that, in Christ, we have died to sin! This is the greatest incentive to godly living. The grateful knowledge that we have been saved by grace, through Christ’s death for us, transforms the life and attitude in a way that fear of the law’s curse could never do.

6:11 alive unto God. If this command seems unrealistic, remember that God’s commands always imply God’s ennablings.