This research paper by Trip Smith, submitted to Dr. Robert J. Cara for NT516 – Acts–Romans at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, explores the concept of obligation as a central element of Paul’s theology of sanctification in Romans. Smith contends that while believers are freed from sin through justification, they remain joyfully indebted to God, whose grace compels them toward holiness. Obligation, therefore, is not a contradiction to grace but its proper outworking in the life of the redeemed.
Through detailed exegesis of key passages—especially Romans 1:14, 6:15–23, and 8:12–14—Smith shows that Paul employs the language of slavery and debt to portray sanctification as a response of obedience rather than fear. The believer, though freed from sin, becomes a “slave to righteousness,” a state that is both divinely imposed and willingly embraced. Smith highlights Paul’s profound paradox: believers are bound by obligation precisely because they have been liberated. This indebtedness is rooted not in law but in love—the Father’s will expressed through the Son and empowered by the Spirit.
Smith concludes that Paul’s theology of obligation upholds both grace and responsibility. The Christian’s indebtedness arises from the redeeming work of Christ and is undergirded by the assurance of adoption. Thus, the believer’s obedience flows not from compulsion but from gratitude and identity as a beloved child of God. Sanctification, rightly understood, is a glad fulfillment of divine obligation born out of the joy of sonship.
Course and semester: NT516 Acts–Romans — Winter 2019
