Actually, the NT imagery is not one of dowry, but one of ownership, as in slavery.
We are slaves to righteousness (Ro 6:18-19),
slaves to God (Ro 6:22; 1Pe 2:16),
slaves to Christ (1Co 7:22; Eph 6:6).
Yes, we are not our own because we have been "bought and paid for" by God in Christ Jesus.
Therefore, we are to live for Christ, not for ourselves (2Co 5:15; Ro 6:13).
Well, it's more that that, it is salvation (Eph 2:8-9) from God's wrath on our sin (Ro 5:9).
I like the way you think.
Yet some think our salvation is unconditional.
Although there are conditions, are there not?
For instance if we deny Christ he will deny us...that's a condition
If we love him/we will obey his commands...another condition
We must believe in Christ and make effort to know him within an intimate relationship, not just go through the motions lest he may say depart from me I never knew you.
While Gods love for us may be unconditional, I do see there are conditions and repercussions for not following said conditions as laid out in his word.
While yes, we are a slave being bought but also Christ called us friends since a slave doesn't know his master's business.
A friend being submissive to the one in authority over them yet knowing the masters business is very similar to a wife/ husband relationship. She is submissive to his authority while still knowing his business.
And between now and then they are both friends within that same relationship.
It's kinda like, You can be friends with your boss, but when it comes down to it, He's still the boss.
He's still the one that provides everything, and we have a job to do.
We may not always like or agree with the duties or timelines entailed within our occupation.
But if we rebelliously refuse to fulfill the purpose of our existence without grumbling or complaining
Well...What course of action have we forced the boss to take.