Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 6:22

"But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life." — Romans 6:22 (ASV)

The pre-Christian state is undesirable, for it yields no benefit. In fact, it leaves behind memories that produce shame (v.21). On the other hand, the Christian state of freedom from servitude to sin and the corresponding commitment to serve God produce a harvest of holiness, at the end of which is eternal life (cf. Galatians 6:8). Paul is not denying the present possession of eternal life (see v.23), but is simply presenting eternal life as the inevitable conclusion of the process of sanctification (see chart at the beginning of the chapter).