Change Your Heart Your Life Will Follow

Considering Romans 6:17–18, which states:

“[17] But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. [18] Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

The scripture declares in verse 17, “God be thanked.” In light of this statement, we must give thanks to God for His grace, as He has offered us salvation in exchange for our sins. As the scripture states, “we were once servants of sin.” This acknowledges our former state which we were servants of sin and contrasts it with our current state as servants of righteousness. This transformation occurs as a result of obedience to the gospel.

It is through the preaching and teaching of doctrine that the gospel of Jesus Christ is promulgated. This message compels those who hear it to respond; they will either obey it or reject it. As we observe in Paul’s letter to the Romans, they obeyed it from the heart.

As verse 17 further states, “ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.”

This statement by the Apostle Paul expresses that obedience to the gospel is an essential element of our relationship with God. If there is no obedience, there is no change in the condition of the individual. However, where there is obedience, transformation occurs. This change in condition places the individual in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and a new life begins.

As a result, the individual becomes a:

• Servant of God

• Child of God

• Friend of God

• Member of the body of Christ

This change of state begins in the heart. The “heart” signifies the innermost being, representing a sincere and voluntary commitment and a genuine inward desire to obey God rather than mere outward compliance. It indicates a total shift in allegiance, where a believer’s desires are transformed from sin to righteousness.

Romans 10:10 further affirms that this transformation begins in the heart (the mind):

“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Therefore, true change begins with a change of heart (mind). This change leads to obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection. As a result of this obedience, an individual is baptized and added to the church, the body of Christ.

• No longer are you confined by death and sin, but you are made free.

• No longer are you servants of sin, but servants of righteousness.

• No longer are you destined for eternal damnation, but for eternal salvation.

Change your heart, and your life will follow.