Because of sin humanity is in a state of slavery. On account of the atoning work of Jesus Christ, believers can break free from slavery to sin and enter into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Humanity is enslaved
To sin
John 8:33–36 See also Romans 6:12–18, Romans 7:7–25; Titus 3:3; 2 Peter 2:19
“We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
To the law
Galatians 5:1 See also Galatians 4:1–7
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
To fear
Romans 8:15 See also Hebrews 2:14–15
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Jesus Christ as the example of the true slave
John 13:1–17 Washing feet was the responsibility of the slaves of the household. See also Matthew 20:25–28 parallel Mark 10:42–45; Philippians 2:5–11
Believers as slaves of God
They are God's servants
Romans 6:22 See also Matthew 6:24 parallel Luke 16:13; Romans 1:1; Colossians 3:23–24; James 1:1; 1 Peter 2:16; 2 Peter 1:1
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.
They are sons and heirs
Galatians 4:1–7 See also Romans 8:12–17
What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father. So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.
They have friendship with Jesus Christ
John 15:15 See also James 2:21–23
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
They have true freedom
John 8:31–36 See also Galatians 4:21–31
So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Believers as slaves of righteousness
Believers as slaves of others
Matthew 20:25–28 parallel Mark 10:42–45 See also 1 Corinthians 9:19; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Galatians 5:13
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
The image of slavery in the teaching of Jesus Christ
Matthew 24:45–51 parallel Luke 12:42–46 Slavery involves readiness for the Master's return; Matthew 25:14–20 parallel Luke 19:12–17 Slavery involves faithfulness to the Master's purpose; Luke 17:7–10 Slavery involves diligence for the Master's good.
Creation is itself in slavery until Jesus Christ returns
The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.