Understanding Romans 6:19 in the Context of Psalm 1 and Psalm 119

Often, questions arise regarding how the Bible's various passages interact with each other, particularly when one verse appears to contradict another. A common inquiry is whether Romans 6:19 nullifies the teachings in Psalm 1 and Psalm 119 on keeping the law and avoiding sin. This article aims to elucidate this topic by examining the context and the broader biblical narrative.

The Passage of Romans 6:19

Romans 6:19 reads:

I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness resulting in sanctification. (NASB95)

Interpreting the Passage

To understand Romans 6:19 correctly, we must pay close attention to the past vs. present tense language used by Paul. This passage provides a clear before and after scenario:

The Past: Before Salvation

Your members were presented as slaves to impurity and lawlessness, leading to further lawlessness (past tense). Lawlessness characterized your existence before salvation. You were carnal-minded, hostile against God, and refused to submit to His Law (Romans 8:5–8). Before salvation, you constantly made sinful and lawless decisions, obeying the law of sin and death instead of the Law of God.

The Present: After Salvation

Presently, you are to present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification (use of present tense). After being saved, you are no longer to remain lawless, be carnal-minded, or hostile against God. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, you should submit to God and His Law. After salvation, you should no longer obey your sinful nature but instead follow the Law of God.

Agreement with Psalm 1 and Psalm 119

Romans 6:19 aligns well with the teachings in Psalm 1 and Psalm 119 and the entire Bible. These passages emphasize the importance of avoiding sin and living in accordance with God's law:

Psalm 1:3

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither.

Psalm 119:1

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

Clarifying the Misunderstandings

There is a common misunderstanding that Paul taught against keeping the Law of God. However, this is not what Paul was teaching. He was making the argument that obeying God is the result of salvation, not the cause of it. Here are the key points to consider:

The Biblical Teaching on Salvation

The Old Testament, particularly Ezekiel 11:19–20 and Ezekiel 36:25–27, teaches that salvation comes through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, not by obeying laws. Rabbinical traditions often taught that keeping the law would cause salvation, but this was contrary to the biblical teaching (Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32). Paul was clarifying the biblical position, bringing people back to the written Word of God instead of relying on human traditions (Acts 25:7–8, 10; Acts 24:14–16; Acts 28:17).

The Importance of Honest Context

Paul repeatedly declared that obeying the commandments and the law was not something he was teaching against. In fact, he clearly stated that he did not do anything against the law or the customs of the Jews (Acts 25:7–8, 10, 14–16; Acts 28:17).

Conclusion

By understanding the context of Romans 6:19, we can see that it does not nullify the teachings of Psalm 1 and Psalm 119. Instead, it reinforces the importance of obedience to God's law as a result of salvation, not as a means to attain it. This understanding is crucial for a correct and comprehensive understanding of the Bible's message on salvation and obedience.