Romans 6:15-23, Slavery to Righteousness

Bible Study with Dr. Thomas Constable

Romans 6:15-23 is a continuation of the passage from the previous section, focusing on the contrast between sin and righteousness. Here's a summary of this part:
Paul starts by asking, "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace?" He strongly rejects this idea and explains that being under grace does not give believers a license to continue living in sin. Instead, he reminds them that they are slaves to the one they obey—either sin, which leads to death, or obedience to righteousness, which leads to holiness.
Paul emphasizes that thanks to God's grace, believers have been set free from the dominion of sin. They have experienced a change of allegiance, moving from serving sin to serving righteousness. He acknowledges that before they came to Christ, they were slaves to sin, but now they have been made slaves of God and His righteousness.
The passage highlights that the outcome of sin is death, whereas the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Paul encourages the readers to be thankful for this gift and to live in obedience to God's will, bearing the fruit of righteousness.
In summary, Romans 6:15-23 stresses the importance of not using God's grace as an excuse for sinful living. Instead, believers are called to live in obedience to God, as they have been set free from sin and are now slaves of righteousness. The ultimate reward is eternal life through Jesus Christ.