Romans 6:12

Verse 12. Let not sin therefore. This is a conclusion drawn from the previous train of reasoning. The result of all these considerations is, that sin should not be suffered to reign in us. Reign. Have dominion; obtain the ascendency, or rule. In your mortal body. In you. The apostle uses the word "mortal" here, perhaps, for these reasons: (1.) to remind them of the tendency of the flesh to sin and corruption, as equivalent to "fleshly," since the flesh is often used to denote evil passions and desires, (comp. Ro 7:5,23; 8:3,6) and, (2.) to remind them of their weakness, as the body was mortal, was soon to decay, and was therefore liable to be overcome by temptation.