Proper 7: Epistle, Romans 6:12-23                                 

Romans 6:12-23

Following the apostle Paul through the epistle to the Roman Christians is one of my favorite things to do. It is a Holy Spirit-guided tour through the mind of an all-wise God toward His vindication through His Son and the full salvation of His people. Romans chapter 6 is a pivotal portion of that tour. We have seen to this point in Romans the full corruption of the human person, the just verdict of the law of God, the promise of God making things right and the “tool” through which righteousness comes. Namely the gift of faith (Romans 10:17). Now in Romans 6 we see the effect of that “God making things right” as God displays HIS sanctifying power in the life of the Christian. 

Now, many Christians have an errant view of sanctification. I know that’s blunt. But as you read Romans 6 you realize that you make yourself a slave of sin, but then redemption by Another takes place and is applied to you. By the way, the very word “redemption” refers to being bought out of the slave market. While our redemption frees us from sin as a master, it makes us a slave once again. But this time to a good Master and He it is that grants us sanctification which though complete, is not experienced fully until we see Christ face to face, (cf. 1 John 3:1-2).

Sanctification in the New Testament includes moral improvement, but not primarily. Eternal life comes from God. So also does its effects. Sanctification is the act of being set apart for something or someone. In this case, God Himself. We are set apart to the Lord and to His standard of instruction or teaching (6:17), which leads to the fulness of perfection which has already been declared of us. If you are a Christian, a disciple, then you are a slave. And it is a glorious bondage. It’s the only true freedom there is.