Considering oneself dead to sin is the unique privilege of one who is in Christ (Rom. 6).
Why do I say this?
Because I desire people's faith in Christ to grow. Faith comes by hearing about Jesus and what He's done.
I also say it because people can trust in themselves: "If I die to myself, then I am dead to sin."
A world of self-reliance, self-exaltation and self-condemnation can be in a person who uses that phrase.
But in Romans 6 we see that we submit ourselves to God because we've already been brought from death to Life.
Christ is the foundation.
Let every man beware: Jesus is the only foundation to build on.
Now, we do submit ourselves to God, but not out of trust in self, but out of trust in what cost Christ His life.
There is no way for a man to be as bold as a lion who relies on himself. Protestants need cleansing from reliance upon internal willingness to obey, introspection and prayers of confession.
These have their place, but in themselves have no power to save. Our reliance can only be on Christ.
Death to sin is an identity, the result of Jesus dying and raising. All thing are new, not constantly wavering.
We waiver because we are not rooted and established in Him.
But as our faith matures by learning about Him (see above), we will be strong in His might.
Let's consider ourselves new and submit to Him because of Jesus.
Dustin Horstmann