What then? Are we to sin because we are not under the Law but under grace? Far from
it! Do you not know that the one to whom you present yourselves as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of that same one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of
obedience resulting in righteousness?
Romans 6:15-16
Paul presents a question here to make a point instead of seeking an answer. He uses slavery as an illustration. Context is important here. In Paul’s day, slavery took many forms. The type of slavery that Paul refers to here is offering services to discharge a debt; hence the phrase, present yourselves as slaves.
His point would be easily understood by those living in the 1 st century. If we present ourselves as a slave, the idea is to be obedient. So, when we are obedient to sin, we are a slave to it, and death is the result. Conversely, when we are obedient to Christ, righteousness is the result.
A critical point to note here is the Biblical distinction between what we do to earn righteousness and what has been done to provide us with righteousness. As our own righteousness cannot save us, we must rely on the righteousness of Christ. As a result, our obedience to Christ is not to gain righteousness but to express our gratitude for the righteousness we have been given.
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