Romans 6:18

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:18 (KJV)

Context

In Romans 6, Paul addresses believers in Rome who have been united with Christ. The immediate context, Romans 6:16-17, establishes that a person becomes a servant of the master they obey—either sin leading to death, or obedience leading to righteousness. Verse 17 notes that the Roman believers had formerly been servants of sin but had obeyed from the heart the pattern of teaching to which they were committed. Verse 18 then draws the conclusion: being made free from sin, they became servants of righteousness.

Meaning

Paul begins verse 18 by stating that believers have been “made free from sin.” This freedom is not freedom from a sinful nature, corrupt heart, vain thoughts, sinful words, or sinful actions altogether. Rather, it is freedom from the damning and dominating power of sin. Sin brought all people under a sentence of condemnation; Christ bore the execution of that sentence for his people, so that those who are in him are free from it. This freedom is not obtained by one’s own power or will, nor is it a voluntary release by a former master; it is the work of God—Father, Son, and Spirit—with the Gospel as the usual means.

Paul continues by saying that as a result of being freed from sin, believers have become “the servants of righteousness.” This is not a burdensome or oppressive servitude but a willing and purposeful commitment. They voluntarily yielded themselves to the dominion of righteousness and are therefore bound to be holy. This service is described as being servants to God, whose Gospel they obey; servants to Christ, whose righteousness they submit to; and servants to the law of righteousness as held forth by Christ. They give themselves up to a course and life of righteousness, which brings true honor and peace.

Application

Being servants of righteousness means that believers are called to live a life that reflects the righteousness of God. It involves submitting to God’s will, walking in obedience to His commandments, and pursuing holiness. The power of sin no longer controls believers, but they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live righteously. This transformation is not accomplished through human effort alone. It is by the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit within believers that this change occurs. The believer’s responsibility is to yield themselves to God and allow His transforming power to work in their lives.

Reflection

The verse’s logic implies that since believers have been freed from sin, they ought to be equally devoted to righteousness, just as they were formerly devoted to sin.