For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23 (NIV)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 6:23 (KJV)
Theme: God’s Plan for Salvation
Last week Romans 3:23 provided a stark reality check: no matter how “good” we may be in the eyes of the world, we’re all sinners and we all fall short of God’s standard. This week Romans 6:23 starts off with some more bad news, but then brings us some really good news (actually great news).
First the bad news. Unfortunately, the punishment (i.e., the “wages”) for our sin is death. In this context, death means eternal separation from God after our time on this earth ends. We know our God reigns in Heaven, so that leaves someplace else for those separated from Him.
The great news, however, is that God’s free gift to us is forgiveness for our sins and eternal life with Him through His Son Jesus. All we have to do is accept His gift.
(more on that next week…)
