Interpretation of the Bible / Romans 6:15
In the sixth chapter of Romans, St. Paul addresses the problem of how sin separates us from God and how Jesus’ sacrifice reconciles us to Him. In verse 15, the apostle asks himself a rhetorical question and answers decisively.
What does “law” mean in this context?
In Judaism, “law” refers to the set of commandments and rules that God gave to His people through Moses in the Old Testament. However, with the coming of Jesus Christ, “law” took on a different meaning. In this case, “law” refers to God’s justice and the values that should guide the life of a Christian, such as love, forgiveness, and solidarity.
We are not under law, but under grace
In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul explains that the coming of Jesus Christ represents a radical change in the way people can approach God. Previously, keeping the “law” allowed us to receive divine grace. But with the death and resurrection of Jesus, grace becomes a free gift offered to us out of love for God.
Why should we not sin even if we are not under the law?
Being under grace does not mean that we can sin with impunity. On the contrary, the love of God calls us to live consistently with the values that Jesus taught us and that are reflected in the Gospel.
In verse 16 of the same letter, St. Paul explains: “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”.
What does this verse tell us about Christian morality?
Christian morality is not based on following a series of external rules, but on striving for justice and love. Sin is not simply doing something forbidden, but turning away from God and the values He represents. Therefore, reflection and discernment are necessary to know how to act at any time.