"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 6:23
Part 2
Yesterday:
“For the wages of sin.”
Sin pays high wages.
“Is death.”
“…the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4).
Today:
Yesterday we left sinners in a terrible place with seemingly no help available. That was only bad news! Here comes His “good news!” The Word of God teaches us of God’s grace and mercy, which He extends to sinners.
“For the wages of sin is death,”
“But the gift of God.”
I am so thankful for this little conjunction, “but!” It can change that horrible picture we saw in the first part of our verse. Our “wages” for sin is a sure thing; all sinners will receive them. And eternal “death” is that payment we have all earned…BUT! There is a Hero who steps into the picture and changes everything. He is “Jesus Christ, our Lord.” (We will see Him in our devotion tomorrow.)
God has gifts for us, not wages. He does not pay in wages; He is the giver of gifts (grace and mercy). We believers who know and serve God our entire born-again lifetime, never get a paycheck for our service. But in our relationship with Him (the “family plan”), He meets all of our needs, and He gives us incredible benefits. Our retirement is out of this world![1]
Before moving on, we must say that this “gift” from God can never be worked for, paid for, or somehow earned. It is a gift given because God is loving and gracious. In fact, Paul speaks of this gift another way.
“But not as the offense, so also is the free gift….but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification” (Romans 5:15-16).
Yes, from the human side, salvation from sin is a “free gift” from God! It is unearned, undeserved, and given to the sinner by the grace of God. But what is this “free gift,” and what does it mean to one who has it? Tomorrow we will learn more about it. See you then.
Quote: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
[1] God’s “gift.” We receive no gift from God because we have earned it. His blessings come graciously from Him without any merit on our part. “Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!” (John Newton).