For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Imagine working tirelessly all week and receiving your paycheck. It’s not a gift; it’s what you earned. Now imagine being handed a gift—unexpected, unearned, freely given. Romans 6:23 reveals two outcomes: one we earn and one freely given by God.
Sin is rebellion against God, and its “wages” is death—eternal separation from Him. This is what we rightfully deserve because of our sinful nature (Romans 3:23). The death spoken of here is not just physical but spiritual, representing a life apart from the presence of God.
Here’s the good news: we don’t have to receive those wages. Instead, God offers us a free gift—eternal life through Christ. A gift can’t be earned; it must be accepted with gratitude. This gift cost Jesus His life, as He bore the punishment for our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). Through His death and resurrection, we are offered new life.
Eternal life is only found in Jesus. It’s not about religion, good deeds, or self-effort—it’s about a relationship with Him. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”(John 14:6).
Pray
Lord, thank You for the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. I acknowledge my sin and the death it brings, but I rejoice in the life You offer through Jesus. Help me to live in gratitude and to share this gift with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
