Q095_061126 Rom. 6:1-3 Don't Be Disappointed In The Cross Of ChristQ095_061126 Rom. 6:1-3 Don't Be Disappointed In The Cross Of Christ
How it Happens with Colin Cook
Colin Cook reflects on Romans 6 and baptism, arguing that the simplicity of the cross of Christ changes how people relate to sin and temptation. He links this belief to everyday struggles with addiction, suggesting a faith-based way to face cravings without isolation or fear.
14:37•11 Jun 2026
Too Simple for Some: The Cross, Baptism and Addiction Recovery
Episode Overview
- Christian baptism is presented as a simple yet complete initiation, symbolising being immersed into Christ’s death and raised to new life.
- Trying to "die to sin" through isolation, avoidance, or strict behavioural control is described as a false and prideful approach.
- Faith in Christ’s death means seeing temptation without taking on the identity, condemnation, or judgment of sin.
- A key distinction is drawn between lust (pleasure outside Christ) and passion (pleasure in Christ), including in sexual and alcohol-related desires.
- Thanking God in moments of temptation is framed as a practical way to live out being "dead to sin" and to face addictive cravings without fear.
“"His death is counted as mine. This is not imitation... We were baptised into his death. His death is accounted as ours."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This instalment of *How it Happens with Colin Cook* leans right into that question by tying addiction recovery to the heart of Christian faith, especially Romans 6:1–3. Colin talks about a common frustration: many religious people feel that Christianity is "too simple". Compared to spiritual systems with long initiations and multi-step paths, the Christian emphasis on faith and baptism can seem almost disappointingly straightforward.
He contrasts these complex rituals with baptism as the single, fast initiation into Christian life, explaining that it symbolises being immersed into Christ’s death and raised into a new life: "His death is counted as mine. This is not imitation... We were baptised into his death. His death is accounted as ours." From there, he links this core belief to real struggles with addiction and temptation—alcohol, sex, food, or obsessive habits.
Rather than hiding from temptation, isolating, or trying to "psychologically" kill off desires, Colin suggests a different response: seeing yourself as someone who has already died to sin in Christ. That doesn’t mean you never feel temptation; it means you’re no longer defined, condemned, or judged by it. He gets very practical, whether it’s spotting an attractive person on a summer’s day or facing a drink after work.
The shift, he says, is learning to thank God in that moment: "Thank you that I am dead to the power of this temptation in Jesus Christ," and recognising the difference between lust (pleasure outside Christ) and passion (pleasure in Christ). The same principle, he notes, applies to alcohol—seeing it in the flesh leads to bondage, seeing it in the spirit leads to freedom.
For anyone wrestling with addiction who also wonders if faith has anything real to offer, this talk keeps things plain, honest and surprisingly practical. Could a "too simple" cross be the very thing that changes how you face your next craving?
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