Romans 7:6 – “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is a powerful summary of the transformation that happens when someone becomes a follower of Jesus. Paul explains that before Christ, people were “bound” by the law—meaning they were under its authority and its demands. The law made clear what was right and wrong, but it couldn’t change hearts. It could only expose sin, not free people from it.

However, through Jesus, believers have “died” to what once controlled them. They are no longer under the law’s rule because, in Christ, they have died to their old way of life. This doesn’t mean that God’s moral commands no longer matter—it means that righteousness is no longer about trying to follow external rules. Instead, believers now live by the Spirit, guided by God from the inside out.

Paul contrasts two ways of living:

1. The “old way” of the written code – This refers to trying to obey God through legalism, rule-keeping, and obligation.
2. The “new way” of the Spirit – This refers to living in a relationship with God, led by His Spirit, and empowered to do His will from a transformed heart.

In short, Christianity is not about religious rule-following—it’s about a changed life through the Holy Spirit.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to a mixed audience of Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. Many Jewish Christians struggled with the idea that they were no longer under the Mosaic Law. For generations, the law had defined their identity and guided their behavior. Now, Paul was telling them they had been released from it. This was a major shift in thinking.

For Gentile believers, the message was also important. Many had come from backgrounds where religious systems demanded strict observance of rituals and sacrifices. They needed to understand that following Jesus wasn’t about obeying a set of religious laws—it was about living by the Spirit.

The phrase “released from the law” would have been controversial, especially for Jews. But Paul wasn’t saying that God’s law was bad—he was saying that its role had changed. The law once served as a guardian (Galatians 3:24), but now believers were free to live by the Spirit.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key spiritual truths:

1. Believers have died to the law’s authority. Just as death ends a marriage contract, dying with Christ ends a believer’s obligation to the law’s legal demands.
2. Freedom in Christ does not mean lawlessness. Being “released from the law” doesn’t mean Christians can sin freely—it means they now obey God from the heart, not out of obligation.
3. The Holy Spirit changes how people serve God. Instead of relying on external rules, believers are now guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:2).

This verse also reinforces that salvation is not about self-effort. People don’t become righteous by following rules but by trusting in Christ and walking in the Spirit.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording contrasts two different ways of serving God.

• “Dying to what once bound us” – This emphasizes a complete break with the past. The law once had a hold on people, but now, in Christ, they are free.
• “Released from the law” – The Greek word used here means to be freed from an obligation or debt. This doesn’t mean the law is abolished, but that its hold over believers is broken.
• “The new way of the Spirit” vs. “the old way of the written code” – This contrast is central to Paul’s teaching. The old way relied on external commands; the new way relies on internal transformation.

This is a common theme in Paul’s letters—he often contrasts law and grace, flesh and spirit, death and life. He is driving home the point that in Christ, everything is different.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 8:2 – “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
• Galatians 3:24-25 – “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”
• 2 Corinthians 3:6 – “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
• John 14:26 – Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide believers, teaching them and reminding them of His words.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people still think of Christianity as a list of rules. Some believe they have to follow religious laws to be accepted by God. Others feel trapped in legalism, trying to earn God’s approval by their performance.

This verse reminds Christians that they are free from that mindset. Their relationship with God isn’t based on obeying external laws but on walking with Him through the Holy Spirit.

However, this freedom doesn’t mean believers can live however they want. Instead, it means they now follow God’s commands out of love, not fear. The Holy Spirit gives them the power to live righteously, not by obligation, but by transformation.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way He leads people into freedom. He doesn’t want people trapped in a cycle of guilt and rule-keeping. Instead, He offers them a new way to live—by His Spirit, in a relationship of love.

This verse also reveals God’s patience. He gave the law as a guide, knowing it would one day be fulfilled in Christ. Now, He patiently leads people into a new way of serving Him, not by compulsion, but by grace.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the reason believers can live by the Spirit.

• Jesus fulfilled the law. He lived a perfect life and met every requirement of the law (Matthew 5:17).
• Jesus’ death released believers from the law’s demands. Through His death, those who trust Him are considered “dead” to the law and alive in Him (Romans 6:6-7).
• Jesus gives the Holy Spirit. After His resurrection, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to empower believers to live for God (John 16:7).

Instead of serving God through human effort, believers now live by the Spirit, which Jesus made possible through His sacrifice.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to be “released from the law”? How does this change your understanding of following God?
2. Have you ever struggled with legalism—trying to earn God’s approval through rules? How does this verse challenge that mindset?
3. What does it mean to serve God “in the new way of the Spirit”? How does that look different from religious rule-keeping?
4. How can you be more aware of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your daily life?
5. How does this verse help explain the difference between Christianity and other religious systems that rely on laws and rituals?

This passage is a powerful reminder that following Jesus isn’t about rules—it’s about relationship. The law once held people captive, but now, through Christ, they are free to live in the power of the Spirit.