Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 6
In reality, there are only two ways that people can choose to behave (see also Psalm 1).
They can choose to do those things that are wrong. Paul refers to those things as ‘unclean’ things. He does not mean things that are physically dirty. Rather, he uses the word as a word-picture for behaviour that is morally wrong. The result of such choices is that people follow every kind of evil behaviour (1:28-32). They do not care about God’s law. They only care about their own emotions, desires and greedy attitudes.
The opposite of unclean is holy. A holy person should do only what is right and good; that person belongs completely to God. That person does not oppose God’s law by evil acts; instead, he chooses to live a life of righteousness. Righteousness means behaviour that is right; it is the result of a right relationship with God.
Some of the people who have become Christians used to live in a wrong and evil manner (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). However, God can change people’s lives completely (2 Corinthians 5:17). Even such people can become God’s holy people (1 Peter 2:9-10).
It should be clear to everyone how God wants all people (1:19-20), but especially Christians, to behave. However, people are often weak; they allow their wrong desires and foolish emotions to direct their behaviour. For that reason, we must make a clear decision that we will choose to live in the right way. Then we must make that decision constantly in our daily life (12:1-2).
Next part: If we are free from righteousness, we are the slaves of sin (Romans 6:20)
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