Verse of the Day
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:20–23
The Contrast Between Bondage and Freedom
Romans 6 draws a powerful contrast between two forms of slavery: one to sin and one to God. Paul reminds us that before salvation, we lived under sin’s rule, indulging in things we are now ashamed of—things that ultimately lead to death. This “freedom” from righteousness wasn’t freedom at all; it was bondage masquerading as liberty. The outcome was separation from God and emptiness of soul.
But now—thanks to the cross—we have been set free from sin’s control. However, freedom in the Christian life isn’t just about being released from something; it’s also about being connected to someone. Paul says we’ve become slaves of God, not in chains of oppression, but in bonds of love, purpose, and grace.
This new life leads to holiness. Holiness isn’t about perfectionism or rigid rule-following. It’s about becoming like Christ—growing in love, peace, kindness, humility, and obedience. And as we walk that path, we are headed toward the greatest reward: eternal life in Christ.
Life or Death: There Is No Neutral Ground
Paul does not give a middle option. There are only two outcomes: death or eternal life. Sin pays its wages in death, but God offers a gift—not earned, not deserved—a free gift of eternal life through Jesus. One is a paycheck we worked for; the other is a gift we receive.
So today, reflect on where your allegiance lies. Are you yielding to habits, thoughts, or behaviors that once ruled your life? Or are you walking in the freedom of grace, choosing holiness and embracing the eternal life promised in Christ?
May this devotion be a call to remember the freedom that costs us nothing but transforms everything.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for setting me free from the grip of sin. Help me not to return to shameful ways, but to walk daily in holiness. Remind me that I am Yours—bought with a price and destined for eternal life. Let every step I take reflect Your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
