Read Romans 6:15-22
One of the greatest motivating factors for people throughout the world today is the quest for freedom, for self-determination. Armies fight for it. Nations vote for it. Individuals work for it.
But here in Romans 6, Scripture teaches that, ultimately, no one is ever totally "free." In the end, everyone serves either God or sin. In fact, Paul uses the word "slaves" to describe the relationship (Rom. 6:16-20; see "slaves" at Rom. 6:16). We are either slaves of righteousness or slaves of sin.
What does that imply for our understanding of the nature of freedom? Is complete autonomy possible? Is there such a thing as self-rule or political self-determination? Yes, in a limited sense. But here as elsewhere, Scripture describes real freedom as a change of masters: being set free from slavery to sin in order to become slaves to righteousness instead.
All of us are enslaved to sin from the moment of conception. Our only hope is Christ, who is able to emancipate us from that bondage (Rom. 7:24-25). Then, having saved us, He enables us through His Holy Spirit to do what we could not do in and of ourselves--live in obedience to God's Law (Rom. 8:3-4). Therein lies true freedom.
(from The Word in Life Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson)