Independence Day
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. Romans 6:22 (ESV)
It may seem to run contrary to the American spirit, or even the spirit of man, to want to be a slave yet there it is. In Romans 6:16, Paul tells us that anyone or anything you serve becomes your master and you its slave. Natural man has the freedom to only serve Satan, self, and the passions of this world.
Paul explains that when we were baptized into Christ we were baptized into His death and buried with Him. Our old Adam was crucified with Christ and died there on the cross. Can a corpse be held guilty of any crime, can it be punished for anything? No! This is how we are to think of our old sinful flesh – dead, buried, totally impotent in our lives. We are freed from the law and therefore also from sin and death!
To what end has Jesus redeemed us in this way? So that we may present ourselves as willing and obedient slaves to Him. We know His yoke is easy and His burden is light and He is the way to life everlasting.
It may seem strange to think of Adam and Eve in paradise as slaves, yet they were. They willingly, obediently, and joyfully placed themselves under the obedience of their Creator God. They knew this was their proper place for peace, security, and joy eternal. It is only when they looked to another master that obedience to God became trying, burdensome, and altogether impossible.
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace That we our Lord and Savior
In faith and fervent love embrace And truly serve Him ever,
So that when death is drawing nigh, We to His open wounds may fly
And find in them salvation.
Help us that we Thy saving Word In faithful hearts may treasure;
Let e'er that Bread of Life afford New grace in richest measure.
Yea, let us die to ev'ry sin, For heav'n create us new within
That fruits of faith may flourish.
The Lutheran Hymnal 293:1-2