“What then? Should we sin because we are not under law? Absolutely not! Don’t you know that to whom you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey--either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness.” vs15-16

Obedience leads to righteousness. As we obey the gospel, righteousness springs forth. We believe in imputed righteousness AND life from the dead. The result is righteous living. God enables us to perform good works.

Secondly, the fruit of righteousness is holiness. “For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to impurity, and to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, which results in sanctification [vs19].” Holiness is the result of obeying God, so that as we believe, holiness is produced.

Do not let people tell you that holiness is only positional, or as one said, “We cannot do holiness.” This leads to licentiousness. True, the believer has no good in the flesh. Yes, every good work is stained with sin and has no merit. It is ALSO TRUE, however, that the believer can please God, and works of faith are called holy. Peter says, “Be holy in all manner of conduct.” Thus, confessing our sins, trusting Jesus Christ, and doing good works in newness of life is a fragrant aroma in His nostrils, even as our preaching pleases Him. “For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing [2 Cor 2:15].”

It is encouraging to know that we please our Master by faith AND the works that faith produces.

Thirdly, we’re either slaves of sin or slaves to God. “But now, since you have been liberated from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification--and the end is eternal life [vs22]!” There is no middle ground, and there is no other possibility. Men want to be free from sin, but independent of God. They want to escape hell, but serve themselves. Impossible. It cannot be done. We must have a master: Either it is sin unto death - eternal death and the wrath of God - or it is obedience unto righteousness.

I cannot participate in Christ’s death - freedom from sin’s punishment - unless I also participate in His resurrection - freedom to live a new life. Let no man deceive you here, and do not deceive yourself!