Just as weight loss programs seek to promote their products by showing “Before” and “After” photos, the Scriptures will occasionally give “Then” and “Now” descriptions to demonstrate the stark contrast between being lost and saved.
One such Bible passage is found in Romans 6:19-23. Here, it is written: “I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:19-23).
What a contrast between “Then” and “Now”!
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Then, I was a slave of uncleanness and lawlessness which spawned more lawlessness. Now, I am a slave of righteousness which spawns holiness and freedom to do the right thing.
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Then, I was free from any concern about righteousness. Now, I hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) and seek it as my highest priority (Matthew 6:33).
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Then, I was on a sure path to certain death. Now, I am living a fruitful life of holiness and am on a sure path to everlasting life.
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Then, I was earning death, the just recompense of my sin. Now, I am enjoying the abundant life and the hope of eternal life, a gift God gives all slaves of righteousness.
