A change of service
In Romans 6:19, Paul states that he had been using “master and slave” comparisons because of their human limitations and difficulty in grasping the great God-given truth about serving somebody.
“I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness” (Romans 6:19).
He now reminds them that a believer has had a change in their service. Although they once served impurity, leading to living as if no God-given law existed, they now have a new master and thus new tasks.
They are called to remember that they do not serve their old master but a new one. In a similar manner, if I started a new job, I would not ask my old employer for instructions on what to do but I would look to my new one.
Believers can now use their “members” – their mind, tongue, eyes, hands, and feet – for the purpose of righteousness. Every part of the body can be used in the promotion of holiness.
God's purpose in redeeming people from sin is not to give them freedom to do as they please but freedom to do as He pleases, which is to live righteously.
Although it is pointless to tell a slave to act contrary to their master’s will, as they need to be freed before they can serve a new one, we can thank God that a “slave of sin” – an unbeliever – can be freed to serve a new master.
A change of benefits
In Romans 6:20-23, Paul reminds the believers of the gracious benefits of being “slaves of God” in contrast with the terrible cost of being “slaves to sin”. When unbelievers sin, in any of its different manifestations, it is because they are being obedient to their master – “Sin”. The only freedom they have is a freedom regarding righteousness, a freedom from performing acts which are for the glory of God and promote holy living.
The result of enslavement to sin was that it produced things that a believer is now ashamed of. There were acts and thoughts that now bring shame because there has been a massive change of heart and thus behaviour for the believer.
In verse 22, there is a glorious contrast. Paul states:
“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” (Romans 6:22).
The “but now” is a reminder that there is great news for the believer. Responding to the gospel by confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour brings about a complete turnaround.
Paul concludes by contrasting the wages of slavery to sin with a free gift from God.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NASB).
It is a contrast between what is earned, and what is given. “Eternal life” is a free gift in Christ Jesus, our Lord. It is impossible to have it without Him. Whereas the end of sin is death, the end of salvation is eternal life. Death is separation from God, now and forever, whereas eternal life is to have and enjoy an eternal love relationship with God.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
Sin pays wages that are horrific and eternal, but the gift of God is quite different. It cannot be earned but is applied freely at the point of believing. Eternal life becomes a present possession, enjoyed on earth, and continues into eternity. Communion with God is entered into in this life and never ceases.
If these benefits were understood and embraced, then there would be a flood of unbelievers turning to God for salvation and a mass of believers thanking, praising and serving the Lord for such a great and gracious salvation. How will you respond?
