What is the meaning of Romans 6:18? You have been set free - Freedom is a fact accomplished by Christ’s finished work, not a feeling we chase. • John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” • Galatians 5:1 reminds us that “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free,” anchoring our liberty in the cross, not in our efforts. - This liberty is immediate at conversion—chains fall off when we trust in Jesus. • Colossians 1:13 celebrates that we have been “rescued from the dominion of darkness.” - Practical implication: we don’t negotiate with old shackles; we walk out of the prison confident that the door stands open. from sin - Scripture treats sin as a tyrant from which believers are liberated. • Romans 6:14: “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law but under grace.” - Freedom “from” sin means the power of sin to control us has been broken. • 1 John 3:9 explains that God’s seed remains in us, so habitual bondage no longer defines us. - We still face temptation, but we no longer fight as captives; we fight as freed servants of the King. and have become - Salvation is not only subtraction (removing bondage) but addition (giving a new identity). • 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” - The phrase signals a divinely accomplished transfer—God didn’t just open the cell; He brought us into His household. • Ephesians 2:19 celebrates our new citizenship: “fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.” - Every believer already “has become” something new; growth now means living out what God has already declared true. slaves to righteousness - Scripture willingly uses the paradox of slavery to highlight total allegiance, yet this slavery leads to life, not oppression. • Matthew 11:30: “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” - Righteousness is our new master, shaping motives, words, and actions. • 1 Peter 2:16 urges us to live “as servants of God,” free yet bound to obey. - Being a slave to righteousness secures true joy, because it aligns us with God’s character and purpose. • Titus 2:14 says Christ “redeemed us…to purify for Himself a people…eager to do good works.” summary Christ’s work cuts the chains, delivers us from sin’s dominion, transfers us into a brand-new identity, and binds us in glad service to righteousness. Living out Romans 6:18 means daily embracing freedom, resisting sin’s lies, and yielding every moment to our gracious Master whose service is perfect liberty. |
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