Paul reiterates a key point at the beginning of this section of Scripture, with a slight modification. Instead of asking if we should sin because we are under grace, he poses the question of whether we should sin because we are not under the law but under grace. The answer remains the same: absolutely not! In the earlier section, we were encouraged to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive in Christ. Here, Paul emphasizes that we should not subject ourselves to sin as slaves but should instead offer ourselves to righteousness.

St. Augustine wrestled with understanding the fall of man, salvation, and glorification. As he wrestled with these concepts, he developed a formula to explain humanity’s state in different circumstances. Before the fall in Eden, man was “able to sin and able not to sin,” existing in a state of innocence. After the fall, man became “not able not to sin,” becoming a slave to sin. Through grace, man is “able not to sin,” and in the new creation, we are “not able to sin,” we will live in our glorified state.

As Christians, as believers in Christ, we are in a state of grace where we are able not to sin. However, this does not mean that we do not still sin. This brings us to the metaphor of the two trees. We are free to choose whom we will serve (Deuteronomy 30:19, Joshua 24:15). One tree bears poisonous fruit that leads to death, which God warned us not to eat (Genesis 2:17). The other tree invites us to partake and leads to life (John 6:51, 6:56). One tree leads to death, while the other promotes sanctification, growth in holiness, and the nature of God.

Paul argues that the more we partake of either tree, the more it becomes part of us, and we become enslaved by it. I once had a student say, “There are times when I sin, and I feel guilt and shame. Then I think, ‘Oh well, I might as well keep sinning; I’ve already gone this far.’” Sin, when embraced, causes us to forget and clouds our memory of justification, leading to guilt, shame, and death (Galatians 5:1). In contrast, as we consume the fruit of the tree of Christ, we are reminded of what was accomplished there.

What has been accomplished? When we look at the law of God, we no longer see it as a source of condemnation and guilt; instead, we recognize it as a proclamation of grace through the Lord Jesus. I find joy and security in God’s law when I embrace the message of the gospel. The more I engage with the gospel and the Word of God, the more I feel strengthened in my spirit and filled with joy. Why is this? It is because of the work of Christ. His work compels me to love, which fulfills the law.

The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God, while the last six address our relationship with others. In Christ, I have been set free to love God and my neighbor. (Matthew 22:36-40).

So, today, what will you choose to be a slave to: death or life, the law or grace?

Father, may we hunger and thirst for righteousness. Let us hear Your words, Lord Jesus, that call us to come and eat so that we may have life. Give us the strength to choose this day to follow You. Help us to render ourselves as slaves to righteousness so that we may truly be free. Do this work within us and grant us a willing spirit.