“So what benefit did you then reap from those things that you are now ashamed of? For the end of those things is death. But now, freed from sin and enslaved to God, you have your benefit leading to sanctification, and the end is eternal life. For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:21-23 NET
Paul’s use of the term “enslaved” to characterize
our relationship with God is not only provocative but seems fundamentally misaligned
with our understanding of the sacred bond of freedom in Christ. The word “enslaved” evokes
a weighty and somber significance, particularly for those who have experienced
the comforts of privilege and prosperity—individuals with access to ample
resources, security, and freedom. This choice of language can be jarring, as it
suggests a complete absence of agency, autonomy, or self-determination in our
spiritual lives.
For Jewish people in Paul’s time, the harsh realities of
slavery were vividly etched into their collective consciousness, a painful
legacy rooted in their enduring memory of bondage in Egypt. This historical
trauma is immortalized in their cultural and religious narratives, such as the
dramatic story of the Exodus, which speaks not only of suffering and oppression
but also of an intense yearning for freedom and the subsequent triumph of
liberation. These narratives profoundly shaped their identity and worldview,
ensuring that any mention of slavery conjured up feelings of sorrow, loss, and
resistance rather than acceptance or positivity.
Therefore, when Paul refers to our relationship with God as
“enslaved,” he risks overshadowing the profound and life-giving
elements of faith that should define our spiritual journey. Rather than
depicting a connection characterized by bondage and despair, our relationship
with Christ is enriched by love, grace, and the promise of
spiritual emancipation from sin. Recognizing this distinction is essential to
understanding the transformative power of faith, which invites us into a life
of freedom, purpose, and hope.
Another compelling perspective on slavery that profoundly
resonates within American culture is the harrowing institution that unfolded in
the United States. Starting in the early 17th century, countless men, women,
and children were brutally captured in the lush landscapes of Africa by
mercenary trappers and sold at demeaning slave auctions in grim port cities
like Sierra Leone. After enduring harrowing journeys across the unforgiving
Atlantic Ocean, these individuals arrived in America, where they were condemned
to a life of relentless toil on sprawling plantations owned by wealthy white
landowners who amassed great fortunes from their suffering.
The conditions endured by enslaved people were nothing short of horrific. Families were ruthlessly torn apart, with mothers and fathers sold to different buyers, separated forever from their loved ones. Enslaved individuals faced not only the burden of backbreaking labor from dawn until dusk but also the ever-present threat of physical punishment for any semblance of resistance or disobedience. The relentless heat of the sun bore down on them as they labored in the fields, often without sufficient food or shelter.
This form of slavery parallels the tragic history of the
Jews in Egypt, as enslaved people in America were stripped of their humanity,
treated as mere commodities rather than individuals with hopes and dreams. They
lived under an oppressive system that denied them not only basic human rights
but also the autonomy to shape their own destinies. The chilling reality of
their suffering serves as a stark reminder of the human capacity for cruelty,
compelling us to confront and remember this dark chapter in our history,
ensuring that the lessons learned from their pain are never forgotten.
In the United States and across the globe, insidious forms of bondage and slavery persist, casting a dark shadow over our modern society. These manifestations include unjust imprisonment, where individuals are confined for minor infractions or based on systemic discrimination, along with forced labor, where men, women, and children are coerced into grueling work under threat, manipulation, or deceit. Debt bondage, a particularly harrowing situation, ensnares individuals in an unending cycle of servitude, where they are compelled to work indefinitely to repay debts that are often inflated or even fabricated.
Moreover, human trafficking tragically underscores the darker side of humanity, affecting millions of vulnerable people, including children and marginalized women, who are exploited for both labor and sexual purposes in the clandestine world of the sex trade. Each of these terms shines a light on a different facet of modern slavery, yet they are woven together by the common thread of gross violations of human rights.
Despite our remarkable advancements in technology and heightened awareness of social issues, we continue to face the unsettling reality of these injustices unfolding in our communities and around the world. It is imperative that we not only acknowledge the severity of these injustices but also mobilize our collective efforts to combat them, striving to cultivate a world that champions freedom, dignity, and respect for every individual.
Grasping and remembering the history of slavery is
essential, as it vividly illustrates the harrowing experience of total
subjugation to another. This experience strips away one’s freedom, dignity,
and humanity. This poignant message is at the heart of what Paul seeks to
convey. We were once shackled as slaves to sin, a devastating predicament that
created a chasm between us and God, the ultimate source of our identity and
purpose.
In stark contrast, Paul unveils the truth that we now serve
a compassionate and loving master—Jesus Christ—who willingly bore the full
weight of our sins. He endured unimaginable suffering, taking upon His own body
the punishment we rightfully deserved, thereby demonstrating the depths of His
boundless love. This extraordinary act of self-sacrifice not only underscores
His grace but also illustrates the profound mercy available to us. Because He
took on our transgressions, we can approach Him with unwavering confidence,
assured that our sins have been transformed into His righteousness. This
incredible gift is open to all who choose to believe, offering a powerful
message of hope, redemption, and a beautifully restored relationship with God.
While many individuals may perceive slavery as an abhorrent
sin imposed upon them without their consent, it is essential to grasp that
slavery constitutes a profound crime that inflicts true victimhood upon all
involved; both the perpetrator and the enslaved endure profound suffering. This
stark reality illuminates the pervasive nature of sin, which recognizes no
boundaries and shows no favoritism. Amid this darkness, we find an
extraordinary expression of God’s mercy and grace.
Corrie Ten Boom, a valiant young woman from the picturesque
city of Haarlem, Netherlands, became intricately entwined in the harrowing
events of the Nazi occupation during World War II. With her sister Betsie,
their loving father Casper, and other devoted family members, Corrie felt an
unshakeable conviction that it was their Christian duty to protect and shelter
Jewish individuals fleeing the terror of Nazi persecution. They transformed
their cozy home into a sanctuary, artfully hiding numerous Jewish people in
secret compartments and hidden rooms, risking their own lives for the sake of
others. Tragically, in 1944, their courageous efforts were discovered when a
betrayal led the Dutch police to storm their home, resulting in the arrest of
the entire Ten Boom family and their subsequent deportation to the brutal
Ravensbrück concentration camp.
Within the bleak and oppressive walls of Ravensbrück, Corrie
faced unimaginable hardship, losing her loved ones to the grim realities of the
camp. Yet, even in the depths of despair, her spirit shone brightly. She clung
resolutely to her faith, discovering a wellspring of hope that transcended her
circumstances. In the darkest moments of her captivity, she became a beacon of
light for fellow inmates, sharing the transformative message of Christ’s love
and forgiveness. Corrie’s journey morphed into a powerful testament of
redemption and unwavering righteousness, illustrating how her identity was
anchored in her faith—so deeply rooted that nothing could shake it, even in the
face of overwhelming adversity. Her story remains a poignant reminder that,
even amidst the horrors of humanity, the light of hope and grace can triumph,
transforming despair into a profound narrative of love and resilience.
In the verses above, Paul passionately conveys a vital
message about grasping the ultimate purpose of our lives. He encourages us to
resist the seductive allure of temporary pleasures offered by sin, which can
easily derail us from our true calling. Instead, we are invited to dedicate our
lives to a much greater mission: to bring glory to God. This calling is not
just a lofty ideal; it is a profound journey filled with significance and joy,
where our actions and choices resonate with divine purpose.
Paul further illuminates this path by reminding us of the
extraordinary gift we receive—eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. This
gift is not merely an abstract concept; it represents a transformative
relationship that redefines our existence. Embracing this eternal promise
empowers us to rise above self-serving tendencies and inspires us to reflect
God’s love, grace, and righteousness in a world that desperately needs it.
Through this lens, our lives become a testament to a higher calling, enriching
both our own experiences and the lives of those around us.
Grasping this transformative truth ignites within us a deep wellspring of gratitude and fervent love. It compels us to dedicate our lives fully to His service, aware of the boundless blessings we have received so generously. Serving Him becomes not merely an obligation but a life-altering choice that infuses our existence with purpose and meaning. Through this commitment, we align ourselves with His divine mission, walking the path of discipleship illuminated by unwavering faith and a desire to embody His love in every thought, word, and action. In this way, our lives become a testimony to His grace, reflecting the transformative power of His love in a world desperately in need of hope and healing.
Stephen Barnett
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