QUESTION
In reading the Scriptures, I notice believers are referred to as “bond-servants of Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:1 and Philippians 1:1, for example) If Christ died to set us free, why does the Bible use such a term?
ANSWER
Although it may appear somewhat authoritarian at first, the term bond-servant actually depicts a liberating, loving relationship between the believer and Jesus Christ. When a person receives Jesus Christ as Savior, he is instantly freed from the penalty of sin which is eternal death. At the same time he is brought into a new relationship with Christ Who becomes both his Savior and his Lord.
The primary Greek word for Lord is kurios which can be translated as “master” or “owner.” Knowing Jesus Christ as Master or Owner is far from being a tyrannical relationship. Instead it brings the believer under the direction and mastery of One Who loves him unconditionally and Who is interested only in his highest and best good.
Romans 6:15-23 clearly says that either sin or Christ is our master: “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh for as you have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to Righteousness unto Holiness” (Romans 6:19). We may think we are free to do as we please, but in reality we are either under the sway of sin of Christ.
Certainly sin is a harsh taskmaster, demanding unstinting obedience. Its yoke is cruel and severe, ultimately leading to death and destruction.
On the other hand, follow Christ as Master is a liberating choice. As our Maker and Redeemer, Christ never asks anything of us that He is unwilling to provide. Placing ourselves in the Master’s care is the way to freedom, satisfaction, joy and peace. His yoke “is easy” and His burden “is light” (Matthew 11:30).
Equally as important as knowing Christ as our loving Master understands our role as servants. A Christian is one who has come into the King’s court as a royal servant.
That’s why we are called bond-servants people who now gladly serve their new Master, Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul delights in calling himself “a bond-servant of Christ Jesus” (Romans 1:1) because he is keenly aware that he now belongs to the King of kings and Lord of lords Who has purchased him with His own spilled blood and battered body. Serving our Creator God is a matchless opportunity, not a dreaded chore.
We shall serve our beloved Master and Owner for all the ages. On earth such servitude always results in blessing. In heaven it shall be a royal honor as we bow at the feet of the Lord of the ages.
