Romans 6:16

"What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!"

Key Reflection

In Romans 6:16, Paul challenges the notion that Christians might fall into sin due to their newfound freedom in Christ. He asserts that this idea is absurd because believers are no longer under the legalistic constraints of the Old Testament law but are instead under the liberating grace of Christ. This shift from legalism to grace underscores that believers should not use their newfound freedom as an excuse for sinful behavior; rather, they are called to live in righteousness and holiness, reflecting the grace they have received.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 16. Know ye not, etc. The objection noticed in Ro 6:15 the apostle answers by a reference to the known laws of servitude or slavery, (Ro 6:16-20,) and by showing that Christians, who had been the slaves of sin, have now become the servants of righteousness, and were therefore bound by the proper laws of servitude to obey their new master; as if he had said, "I assume that you know; you are acquainted with the laws of servitude; you know what is required in such cases." This would be known to all who had been either masters or slaves, or who had observed the usual laws and obligations of servitude. To whom ye yield yourselves. To whom ye give up yourselves for servitude or obedience.

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