Romans 6:15-23

The first major topic change has just transpired in Paul’s writing to the Christians at Rome. He had spent the first five chapters helping his readers understand that they were condemned to die because of sin. Not one person avoids this future punishment due to their sinfulness and natural rebellion against God (Romans 3:10-18). The only remedy which can appease the wrath of God upon sin is righteousness, but since no man can attain it on his own he needs to acquire it somewhere else. John writes that God loved mankind so much that He willingly sent His one and only righteous Son, Jesus Christ, to provide the righteousness man needed in order to be spared the judgment of God (John 3:16). All those who will recognize their sinfulness and turn to Jesus Christ in faith will receive His righteousness as their own (2 Corinthians 5:21). Paul’s teaching on this free grace from God without human effort would probably spawn some questions from his readers about the abuse of that grace. People may feel as though they could do whatever they wanted since God’s grace was free; however, Paul is quick to reveal that this acceptance of grace through faith will result in life change, not a desire to live life haphazardly. Herein lies the topic transition – being declared righteous (justification) will naturally lead to living righteously in everyday life (sanctification). Justification is instantaneous while sanctification is a process. Paul will use Romans 6-8 to instruct his readers on the subject of sanctification.

Paul made a huge statement in the first part of Romans 6 that should be remembered as we move into the later part of the chapter: “…our old man was crucified with Him [Jesus Christ], that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin” (6:6-7). Through Jesus’ sacrificial death, the sinner has been declared righteous and is no longer “under law but under grace” (6:14). The law is still valuable in that it provides a written record of what is right and what is wrong, but it can never bring salvation from sin, only condemnation. But what does it mean that we are now under grace? Being under grace carries the idea that obeying the law (which is impossible) is no longer the condition for God’s favor, but instead God’s undeserved favor (grace) is granted to the believer so that he can now follow God’s ways. Grace frees the sinner to obey the law’s moral aspects, whereas before he was a slave to sin and the law without hope of salvation.

In Romans 6:15-23 Paul reminds his readers about the control sin had over them prior to being freed from it, but then points out that their new life in Christ makes them slaves to righteousness. As they were coming to understand this change, Paul presents a question to them to cause them to realize how justification has changed them, “Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace?” (6:15) Answering his own question Paul says, “Certainly not!” Forgiven sinners should not return to their previous lifestyle of sin, but instead they should live in obedience to truth (6:16-19). Paul repeatedly refers to the Christians at Rome as being “slaves to righteousness” meaning that Jesus Christ is their new master, as opposed to their old master – sin, and He compels them to live in obedience to God’s ways.

Paul is teaching a major truth here. When they were under sin and the condemnation of the law, the best that could happen would be death (6:21). “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” 6:22). At the conclusion of Romans 6, Paul contrasts this truth in a very simple way, “For the wages [penalty] of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (6:23). Those who have been justified (declared righteous) are being sanctified (made righteous in daily life) and those who are being sanctified will receive eternal life with God in heaven. What a promise!

Dear God, I am overwhelmed that You have declared me righteous and are in the process of making me holy. Thank You for Your grace and the hope of eternal life.