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Articles
The Wages of Sin
May we notice a very powerful statement made by Paul in Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Today we would like to study for a few moments on this verse, and see if we can draw some very important lessons.
First, I would like to notice that word "wages", this word suggests the idea of a stipulated sum, payment due, it would be that which one earns. Thus, Paul is saying that we earn something because of our sin. What we earn is death, separation from God, and in the end, eternal separation from God. When someone goes and works a job, they earn a wage, it is what they deserve to receive, for their labors. Even so, what we earn is death for our sins and transgressions, it is what we deserve! Now sin is defined in I John 3:4, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." This problem of sin is a universal problem, notice in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Yes, we are morally accountable creatures, and some day we will give answer before God for all our actions, deeds, words, and attitudes. If our discussion stopped at this point, it would be a very gloomy picture for all mankind, for all of us would be headed for destruction! Let us notice the bright side of the picture.
Paul promises in this verse that we can have the "gift of God", which is eternal life. This is made possible because of Jesus Christ, who is the savior of mankind. Because Jesus died on the cross, we can have everlasting life, a home in heaven, and live with God through out all eternity; it is the gift of God. Eternal life is not something that we can earn, it is not something we deserve, it is not something we merit, no, it is the gift of God! This absolutely free gift comes because of what Jesus did in our stead, he died on the cross. Any man or woman can reach out and receive this free gift of God, by simple faith and obedience to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Also notice in the book of Hebrews 5:8-9, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." Have you received this gift of eternal life?
