“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6.20-23 (ESV)In 1776, our national began with the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was a brave and noble act. However, when it comes to salvation we must recognize our sinfulness and inability to win our own salvation. It requires a total trust- a dependence- in Christ for us to inherit salvation.
Slaves to Sin (v.20-21)
• God's law finds all people guilty
• Sin enslaves
• Law introduces us to knowledge of sin (GalatianComplete Song List | s 3.24: “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.” [ESV])
• Free from righteousness: fruit is wrath/death
Set Free from Sin (v.22)
• Righteousness comes through Christ, not the law
• Through Christ was can be set free from sin: fruit is sanctification(process of becoming clean or holy)/salvation
Salvation in the Son (v.23)
• The previous three verses summed up in verse 23
• The point is clear: if we are independent in this regard we are bound for hell
• We must be totally dependent on Jesus for salvation
In 1776 the founding fathers declared independence from Great Britain. Today we must declare our total dependence on Jesus. There is no other way to be saved and set free from sin.
1 comment:
Amen. Our dependence on sin is what keeps us from saving ourselves. Our sinful condition keeps us from "saving ourselves". I still contend that is what other religions are about--worshipping ourselves. Jesus is the only way to become truly independent. He provides the way through his death and resurrection. Accepting this in simple faith allows us to become independent from sin and death!!! God Bless America and pray for those who are still dependent on sin.
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