Romans 6:20

"I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh; for as you presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to wickedness upon wickedness, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification."

Key Reflection

For the first-century Roman Christians, this passage highlights their past and present moral condition. Paul explains that when they were slaves to sin (Romans 6:19), their bodies freely submitted to a life of uncleanness and continual wickedness. Now, however, they are called to present their members as servants to righteousness for sanctification, reflecting the transformation from slavery to sin to freedom in Christ. This stark contrast underscores the radical change required in living a godly life.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 20. Ye were free from righteousness. That is, in your former state, you were not at all under the influence of righteousness. You were entirely devoted to sin; a strong expression of total depravity. It settles the question; and proves that they had no native goodness. The argument which is implied here, rather than expressed, is, that now they ought to be equally free from sin, since they had become released from their former bondage, and had become the servants of another master.

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