Romans 6:22

KJV

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} now {G3570} being made free {G1659} from {G575} sin {G266}, and {G1161} become servants {G1402} to God {G2316}, ye have {G2192} your {G5216} fruit {G2590} unto {G1519} holiness {G38}, and {G1161} the end {G5056} everlasting {G166} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, now, freed from sin and enslaved to God, you do get the benefit — it consists in being made holy, set apart for God, and its end result is eternal life.

Berean Standard Bible

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life.

American Standard Version

But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:22 encapsulates the transformative reality of the believer's new identity in Christ. Having been decisively liberated from the enslaving dominion of sin, believers are now willingly devoted to God, resulting in a life progressively characterized by holiness. This journey of sanctification culminates in the ultimate and glorious destiny of everlasting life, a stark contrast to the death that sin once promised.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a powerful summary and conclusion to Paul's profound theological argument in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"). Paul begins the chapter by addressing the misconception that grace encourages continued sin ([Romans 6:1-2](/romans/6-1-2 "Romans 6:1-2 - Shall we continue in sin?")). He then meticulously explains the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection, emphasizing that believers have died to sin's power and are raised to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:3-11](/romans/6-3-11 "Romans 6:3-11 - Baptized into Christ's Death and Resurrection")). The subsequent verses ([Romans 6:12-14](/romans/6-12-14 "Romans 6:12-14 - Do Not Let Sin Reign")) issue an exhortation not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies, for they are no longer under law but under grace. The immediate preceding passage ([Romans 6:15-21](/romans/6-15-21 "Romans 6:15-21 - Servants of Righteousness")) draws a vivid contrast between two masters: sin, which leads to death, and righteousness, which leads to sanctification. Verse 22, therefore, articulates the positive outcome of choosing God as master, presenting the "fruit" and "end" of this new allegiance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "slavery" (δοῦλος, _doulos_) was pervasive in the Roman world, where a significant portion of the population were actual slaves. Paul's audience, both Jewish and Gentile, would have intimately understood the implications of being owned by a master—absolute submission, lack of personal rights, and living solely for the master's will. By using this metaphor, Paul powerfully conveys the radical shift in allegiance for believers. They were formerly "slaves of sin" ([Romans 6:17](/romans/6-17 "Romans 6:17 - Slaves of Sin")), bound to its dictates and consequences. Now, through Christ, they are "made free" from that oppressive master, but this freedom is not autonomy; rather, it is a transfer of ownership to a new, benevolent Master—God. This voluntary, joyful servanthood to God stands in stark contrast to the involuntary and destructive servitude to sin, offering a profound redefinition of freedom within a familiar social construct.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 6:22 is rich with several interconnected themes central to Paul's theology. Foremost is the theme of **Radical Transformation and New Identity**, emphasizing a decisive break from the old life dominated by sin to a new life defined by Christ. This transformation leads directly to **Sanctification**, the ongoing process of being set apart for God and growing in practical holiness. The verse highlights the **Shift in Allegiance**, moving from serving sin, which yields death, to serving God, which yields life. This new servanthood is not burdensome but liberating, as the master is righteous and good. Finally, the verse clearly presents the **Teleological End of the Christian Life**, which is not merely moral improvement but the glorious and ultimate reality of "everlasting life," a concept further expounded upon in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life Through the Spirit"). This ultimate hope provides both motivation and assurance for the believer's journey of holiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Made free (Greek, _eleutheróō'_):** From the root word meaning "free," this passive verb signifies a definitive act of liberation performed by an external agent. It means "to liberate, i.e. (figuratively) to exempt (from moral, ceremonial or mortal liability)." In this context, believers are not freeing themselves, but God has decisively delivered them from the legal and spiritual bondage of sin. This emphasizes the divine initiative in salvation.
* **Become servants (Greek, _doulóō'_):** Derived from the word for "slave" or "bondservant," this verb means "to enslave (literally or figuratively)." While "made free" from sin, believers have simultaneously "become servants" or "enslaved" to God. This is a paradox that reveals a profound truth: true freedom from sin's tyranny is found in willing, joyful submission to God's benevolent authority. It implies complete devotion and obedience to God as the new, righteous Master.
* **Holiness (Greek, _hagiasmós'_):** This term refers to "purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier." It denotes both the state of being set apart for God's purposes (sanctification as a status) and the progressive process of moral and spiritual purification in the believer's life (sanctification as a process). The "fruit unto holiness" indicates that a life devoted to God naturally produces character and conduct that reflect His purity and righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now being made free from sin":** This clause marks a decisive turning point in the believer's spiritual state. The "but now" (G1161 _dé_ G3570 _nyní_) emphasizes the contrast with their former condition as slaves to sin. The passive voice of "being made free" (G1659 _eleutheróō_) underscores that this liberation is not self-achieved but is a gracious act of God, accomplished through Christ's work on the cross. It signifies a complete break from sin's dominion and its power to compel obedience.
* **"and become servants to God":** This phrase reveals the nature of the believer's new allegiance. Freedom from sin does not lead to lawlessness or autonomy, but to a transfer of masters. Having been delivered from the tyranny of sin, believers now willingly and joyfully submit themselves as bondservants (G1402 _doulóō_) to God (G2316 _theós_). This new servanthood is characterized by love, devotion, and obedience, reflecting a profound shift in identity and purpose.
* **"ye have your fruit unto holiness":** The immediate and ongoing result of this new servanthood is the production of "fruit" (G2590 _karpós_). This "fruit" is directed "unto" (G1519 _eis_) or towards "holiness" (G38 _hagiasmós_). This refers to the process of sanctification—the progressive transformation of character and conduct to reflect God's moral purity and to be set apart for His purposes. It is the tangible evidence of a life lived in submission to God, demonstrating a growing conformity to Christ.
* **"and the end everlasting life":** This final clause declares the ultimate culmination and blessed destiny of the believer's journey. "The end" (G5056 _télos_) signifies the ultimate goal, outcome, or purpose. This end is not the death that sin pays as wages, but "everlasting life" (G166 _aiṓnios_ G2222 _zōḗ_). This is not merely unending existence but a quality of life characterized by God's own nature, a life of fellowship with Him that begins in the present and is fully realized in eternity. It is the gracious gift of God, the glorious telos of the believer's liberation and service.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - The Fruit of Freedom"). Central to the verse is **Antithesis**, creating a sharp contrast between the former state and the new reality. Believers are "made free from sin" (the old master) and simultaneously "become servants to God" (the new master). This highlights the radical shift in allegiance and identity. The concept of "fruit unto holiness" is a powerful **Metaphor**, drawing on the imagery of a tree producing fruit. Just as a healthy tree naturally yields good fruit, a life submitted to God will naturally produce the fruit of righteousness and holiness. Finally, the verse exhibits a clear **Progression** or **Climax**: liberation from sin leads to servanthood to God, which in turn produces holiness, ultimately culminating in everlasting life. This logical and theological sequence demonstrates the divine order of salvation and its glorious outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:22 profoundly articulates the practical outworking of salvation, moving beyond justification (being declared righteous) to sanctification (being made righteous). It underscores that true freedom is not found in autonomy from God, but in willing submission to Him, which paradoxically liberates us from the destructive power of sin. This verse emphasizes the active role of the believer in pursuing holiness, not as a means to earn salvation, but as the natural and expected "fruit" of a transformed life. It also highlights the teleological nature of the Christian journey, with "everlasting life" as the ultimate, glorious end, a gift of God's grace that contrasts sharply with the wages of sin. This transformation from slavery to sin to servanthood to God, leading to holiness and eternal life, is the very essence of the new covenant reality.

* [Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death")
* [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Stand Fast in Liberty")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "Be Holy as God is Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:22 offers profound encouragement and a clear blueprint for the Christian life. It reminds us that our liberation from sin's dominion is a divine act, not a human achievement, empowering us to live differently. This verse calls us to embrace our new identity as willing servants of God, recognizing that our freedom is found in joyful submission to His benevolent will. The "fruit unto holiness" is a powerful reminder that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative journey that should manifest in tangible changes in our character, attitudes, and actions. This means actively cultivating virtues, resisting temptation, and pursuing righteousness in every area of life, allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us. Furthermore, the promise of "everlasting life" provides an eternal perspective, reminding us that our present struggles and pursuits of holiness are not in vain, but are part of a grand narrative leading to an glorious, unending fellowship with God. This hope fuels our perseverance and strengthens our resolve to live lives worthy of our calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you still feel the lingering pull of sin, and how can you more fully embrace the freedom Christ has given you from its power?**
* **What does it practically mean for you to "become a servant to God" in your daily decisions and priorities?**
* **How are you actively cultivating "fruit unto holiness" in your character and conduct, and what steps can you take to grow more in sanctification?**
* **How does the promise of "everlasting life" motivate your pursuit of holiness and shape your perspective on present challenges?**

### FAQ

**Does "made free from sin" mean believers can no longer sin?**

Answer: No, "made free from sin" (G1659 _eleutheróō_) in this context refers to liberation from sin's **dominion** or **slavery**, meaning sin no longer has the ultimate power to compel a believer's obedience. It signifies a change in mastery, not an instantaneous eradication of the capacity or temptation to sin. Believers still possess a sinful nature and will struggle with sin throughout their earthly lives, as acknowledged elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., [1 John 1:8-10](/1_john/1-8-10 "1 John 1:8-10 - Confessing Our Sins")). However, they are no longer helpless victims but have the power through the Holy Spirit to resist sin and choose righteousness ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")).

**What does it mean to "become servants to God" if believers are "free"?**

Answer: This is a beautiful paradox central to Christian freedom. Being "made free from sin" (G1659 _eleutheróō_) liberates believers from a destructive master. This freedom, however, is not autonomy or lawlessness, but a transfer of allegiance to a new, benevolent Master—God. To "become servants" (G1402 _doulóō_) to God means to willingly and joyfully submit to His righteous will and purposes. Unlike the oppressive bondage to sin, servanthood to God is characterized by love, purpose, and true flourishing. It's a chosen, loving devotion that leads to life, not death, and is the only path to genuine liberty ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - True Freedom in Christ")).

**Is "holiness" a state we achieve or a process we undergo?**

Answer: "Holiness" (G38 _hagiasmós_) in Romans 6:22 encompasses both a state and a process. The moment a person is justified by faith in Christ, they are declared holy and set apart for God (a positional holiness or sanctification). However, the "fruit unto holiness" clearly refers to the **progressive** work of sanctification, where the believer is continually being transformed into the likeness of Christ ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")). It is an ongoing journey of moral and spiritual purification, where one's character and conduct increasingly reflect God's purity and righteousness. This process is empowered by the Holy Spirit working within the believer ([Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work out your salvation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment and power in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through His sacrificial death that we are "made free from sin," for He bore the penalty for our transgressions, breaking sin's legal claim and dominion over us ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - God Condemned Sin in the Flesh")). His resurrection then empowers us to "become servants to God," as we are united with Him in newness of life, no longer living for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again ([2 Corinthians 5:15](/2_corinthians/5-15 "2 Corinthians 5:15 - Living for Christ")). The "fruit unto holiness" is not achieved by human effort but is the natural outflow of Christ's life within us, as the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, empowers us to walk in obedience and produce the fruit of righteousness ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Finally, the "end everlasting life" is the very gift of God in Christ Jesus ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")), for He is the source and embodiment of eternal life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) and promises it to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, every aspect of this verse points to Christ as the liberator, the new Master, the enabler of holiness, and the giver of eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 2:16

As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Romans 6:18

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

1 Corinthians 7:22

For he that is called in the Lord, [being] a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, [being] free, is Christ's servant.

1 Peter 1:9

Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls.