Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (117) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:22.23

Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (117)
The Jewish law was given to people who had not been made free from the power of sin. The ten commandments tested them; and it was proved that no-one was able to keep them.

Through grace a Christian has been brought into a new position. It, too, brings obligations with it. But it does not put him under any law or any legal system.

A Christian serves God Himself in a close relationship; he has become a "slave of God". It is now up to him to put himself totally at God's disposal (cf. Romans 12, 1). Then he learns that God speaks to us through every part of the Bible; the Holy Spirit guides us in all spheres and situations of our life.

If a believer leads his life according to this principle, it becomes evident that he is united with the Redeemer who died and rose again. The result is growth in practical holiness.

The end of his pathway is eternal life as a gift of God's grace. In the writings of the apostle John it states in several passages that believers already possess eternal life (cf. John 3, 36; 1 John 5, 11.13). There is no contradiction in the viewpoint here. In its essence it has already been granted to the believer; he will rejoice in its fullness, when he reaches glory.

(to be continued next Sunday)