We are debtors

The Epistle to the Romans makes it very clear that believers are no longer guilty before God. Nevertheless, we are guilty in another sense; we have obligations:

• “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.” (Romans 1:14). We are guilty of passing on the gospel because we know the power of this gospel.
• “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Rom. 8:12). We are debtors because we have a new position before God, no longer to live according to the flesh, but in the power of God’s Spirit.
• “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8). We are obligated to love our neighbor, for this has always been God’s will, and there is always reason and opportunity to show love.
• “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”  (Romans 14:1). We are obligated not to be selfish, but to seek the welfare of others, because we follow the One who never pleased Himself.
• “For it pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.” (Romans 15:27). We are obligated to give material goods to those who provide for us spiritually.

These obligations remain. For there will always be unbelievers; the flesh remains in us (as long as we are on earth); there will always be those to whom we can show love; there will always be the weak, and we will always have those who provide for us spiritually.