Dive in: Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 6:23

 

Hello blog readers! For everyone participating in the #DiveInChallenge, congratulations on completing week 1, as we memorized Romans 8:1-2.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

Hopefully, you’ve been able to reflect on that passage of scripture and find comfort in it. What a gift, to be set free from the penalty of sin. This week’s verse is intended to build on that truth. The first part of Romans 6:23 tells us what sinners, by law, should receive. The rightful payment owed to every sinner is death. But, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What a lifeline!

The reason I chose this verse is because it’s important to know that eternal life is a gift. It can never be earned or deserved. Gifts are free. No amount of charity donations, church service, volunteer work, giving to the poor, or “living a good life” could ever earn a person’s way into heaven. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Isaiah 53:6 reminds us that, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Iniquity is sin, wickedness, immoral behavior…. The Lord placed all of your sin upon Himself, and He personally paid the penalty for your sin wages when He was nailed to the cross.  The Lord paid the debt that you and I owe. Ephesians 2:8 emphasizes that we are saved through faith. Having faith is within everyone’s ability – not only for society’s elite, or the financially wealthy, or scholars, or priests.

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9

As you grow in your walk with the Lord, you will make mistakes. When you do, repent, ask the Lord for forgiveness, and move forward. The Lord loves you, and has the sufficient patience needed to help you grow into the masterpiece He intended. Don’t believe the lie that you have to live a near-perfect life to receive the gift of heaven. Heaven is the free gift of God to everyone who has faith in Jesus. He came to save sinners!

As we go through this week together, find peace and rest in Romans 6:23.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,  Thank you for speaking to us through your word. May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which you have called us, the riches of your glorious inheritance in your holy people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*All scriptures are quoted from the NIV version unless otherwise noted. Feel free to memorize in whatever version you prefer!