Romans 6:17-18
What is written? (ESV)
But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
What does it say?
We thank God that though you were once slaves to sin, you have become obedient from your heart and remained committed to the standard of teaching you heard. You were set free from sin and have since become slaves of righteousness.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is making the broader point of the richness and fullness of God’s grace toward sinful man (chap 5) before turning to man’s response (and responsibility) for salvation. He states the absurdity of continuing “in sin” (vs 1) because they killed off their old self through baptism (vs 3), and uses the very real master/slave (“human terms” as Paul puts it in vs 19) relationship to illustrate.
How Romans 6:17-18 is applied across Bible answers
Does the Bible condone slavery?
Paul draws on the poignant and very vivid master/slave relationship (for any culture/generation) to illustrate the Christian's obedience to God.
Is there an inward call of God?
While "calling" isn't referenced here, Paul describes two aspects of a Christian's single call - their initial repentance coming "from the heart" (inward) and an ongoing "obedience" and commitment to the teaching (outward).
