Crucified, Dead, and Buried: The Finality of the Old Man
The Freedom of Finality
Have you ever felt trapped in an endless cycle of trying to fix yourself? Do you catch yourself wrestling with the same sins, striving to be “better,” and wondering why true freedom seems so elusive? If so, you’re not alone. Many believers spend their Christian lives attempting to resuscitate what God has already declared dead.
Here’s the truth: the old man—your sinful nature, bound to sin and death—has been decisively dealt with. He wasn’t subdued, improved, or reformed. He was crucified, dead, and buried with Christ. And what has been buried does not rise again.
This is the radical message of the Gospel: Christ’s death doesn’t just cover your sins; it severs you from the power of the old life entirely. You don’t need to try harder or strive to improve what God has put to death. You are free to live fully in the new life He has given you.
Today, we’ll explore what it means to leave the old man behind, embracing the fullness of freedom that comes from his crucifixion, death, and burial. This truth isn’t just theological—it’s transformational. Are you ready to live in the reality of the Cross? Let’s begin.
The Old Man: Crucified
Paul states in Romans 6:6:
"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
The crucifixion of the old man signifies more than the payment for sin—it signifies its execution. The "body of sin" refers to the power sin held over us, a power that was decisively broken at the Cross. In Christ, the old man was nailed to the Cross, permanently severing our relationship with the life we once lived.
This is why the believer can declare, as Paul does in Galatians 2:20:
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."
The crucifixion of the old man isn’t symbolic—it’s a spiritual reality. Through our union with Christ, we share in His death, leaving the old man powerless and lifeless.
The Old Man: Dead
The crucifixion of the old man leads to his death. As Paul says in Romans 6:7:
"For he that is dead is freed from sin."
Death is the ultimate severance. The old man is not merely subdued or controlled—he is dead. This death frees us from the law of sin and death, the governing principle of our former life. Death means no return, no hope of revival, and no lingering connection.
When Christ died, He bore the full penalty for our sin. But more than that, His death also executed the power of sin over us. To live as if the old man still has control is to deny the full efficacy of the Cross.
The Old Man: Buried
Paul completes the picture in Romans 6:4:
"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
The burial of the old man signifies finality. In the ancient world, burial was a public declaration that death had occurred. There is no coming back for what has been buried. For the believer, the burial of the old man affirms that the life we lived under sin is gone forever.
Baptism illustrates this beautifully. When we go under the water, we symbolically identify with Christ’s death and burial. When we rise, we declare the newness of life that comes from His resurrection. The burial of the old man ensures that the new life in Christ is not merely an addition—it is a replacement.
Living in Light of the Old Man’s Death
If the old man is crucified, dead, and buried, why do so many Christians live as though he is still alive? The problem often lies in our perspective. We may intellectually acknowledge the truth of Romans 6 but fail to live in its reality.
Here’s what it means to live as someone who is free from the old man:
Refuse to Resuscitate: Stop trying to improve or repair what God has declared dead. Self-effort, legalism, and striving belong to the old life. They cannot produce the righteousness God requires.
Walk in Newness of Life: Recognize that the power of sin is broken, and you are now free to live in the Spirit. The resurrection life of Christ enables you to walk in grace, not in the striving of the flesh.
Identify Fully with Christ: Meditate on the truth of your union with Him. You are not just saved by Him; you are crucified, buried, and raised with Him.
Paul’s Radical Perspective
Paul’s teaching on the old man is radical, but it is also liberating. In Colossians 3:3, he writes:
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."
This is the key to Christian freedom. The old man is dead, and your new life is hidden in Christ. It is not your job to strive for righteousness; it is your calling to live in the righteousness Christ has already provided.
Reflection Questions
Are there areas in your life where you are still trying to improve what God has declared dead?
How does embracing the truth that the old man is crucified, dead, and buried change the way you view your struggles with sin?
What does it mean for you to walk in the resurrection life of Christ?
A Prayer of Praise for the Finality of the Cross
Lord Jesus, we praise You for the power and completeness of the Cross. You did not leave us to struggle with the old man, but You crucified him, buried him, and gave us new life in You. Thank You for the freedom and victory that comes from this truth. May our lives reflect the finality of the Cross as we walk in the resurrection life You have given us. We glorify You for the finished work of salvation and the transforming power of Your Spirit. Amen.