Romans 6

“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from allegiance to righteousness.  So what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of?  For the end of those things is death.  But now, since you have become liberated from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification – and the end is eternal life!  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ (Messiah) Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:20-23 (HCSB

Several years ago, Bob Dylan sang, “You gotta serve somebody.” I believe he was right. People who claim they don’t believe in a god are lying to themselves. Idols come in many forms, and just because people don’t attach themselves to an organized religion doesn’t mean they don’t worship and serve “something.”

That concept of serving “someone” is the topic of today’s chapter. Paul speaks about being “a slave to sin.” Initially, we didn’t choose to live in sin. We were born into it. The children of slaves are not born as free men. They are born into bondage as a twisted “inheritance” and considered part of their parents’ master’s property. In this same way, we have been born into the bondage of sin.

Consider the apostle John’s gospel:

“Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands CONDEMNED ALREADY because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:18(emphasis mine)

There is no shame in being born into sin because ALL are born into “condemnation.” Since that is true, that means we ALL need the salvation that comes exclusively through faith in Jesus. “SIN” is a club we are all born into.

Here is something shameful: A child who is born into slavery but is given the option to be free and rejects it. What if another Master, One to whom their “former master” must be subservient, offers to purchase them for Himself, yet that slave chooses not to receive freedom? Furthermore, what if that Master says He would consider that slave as if it were His child rather than a slave?

It would be foolish and shameful to reject such an offer! Yet, that same offer is made to us through faith in Jesus. Sadly, most people refuse that offer. Jesus has bought us with His blood, and by the evidence of His resurrection and the powerful testimony of His Spirit, we have more than enough reason to believe!

Because people refuse to recognize they are “slaves to sin,” they consider the option of being a “slave to Jesus” appalling. Sadly, the consequences of their self-denial are eternal. Since you’ve “gotta’ serve somebody,” which master have you chosen? There is still time to choose Jesus. “Today is the day of salvation!” 2 Corinthians 6:2b