Romans 5-6, Psalm 135
Romans 6:20-22 (NLT)
“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.”
In Romans 6:20–22, Paul wrote to the church in Rome that before coming to faith in Christ, believers were slaves to sin and felt no obligation to do what was right. He emphasized that the supposed freedom and pleasure from sin resulted in believers feeling ashamed of the things they had done, which led to death. But believers are now free from the power of sin and are willingly obedient to the Lord. Believers now do things that lead to holiness, whose outcome is eternal life.
What struck me about these verses is how true they are. When I think about some things I did before I was saved, I feel shame. I pursued pleasure and freedom, things which society deemed acceptable and desirable if you wanted to get ahead in life. My beliefs led to questionable behavior, which, in hindsight, could have led to my death. In fact, there were a few times when I put myself in risky and dangerous situations through my choices and stupidity. I believe that only by the grace of the Lord did I escape severe injury and probably death.
One Bible commentary I read noted that even though sinful people may perform outwardly good acts, their obedience will ultimately be to sin and not to the Lord. They will still lack the desire to pursue righteousness through obedience to Father-God. When I became born again, I accepted that I am in a covenant relationship with the Lord. I wake up every day feeling so grateful that the Lord loves me, and I pray to align my actions for the day with His will for my life. My life has become less stressful, and I find myself able to do the things I've always wanted to do with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who promises you peace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help you with life—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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