Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23
This verse stacks another contrast: the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ. Wages imply earned compensation; sin earns death. The gift indicates grace—unearned, gracious life in Jesus. The verse crystallizes the gospel’s core message: salvation is not earned; it is a gift received by faith.
The theology here centers on God’s grace and Jesus’ work: life is received, not achieved by perfect obedience. It reinforces justification by faith as the doorway to a life oriented toward holiness, not a license to sin. It also points to the necessity of Christ as the source of life rather than human effort.
When feeling defeated by sin, cling to the gift: eternal life in Christ. Practice gratitude and trust—grace does not erase responsibility, but empowers growth. Center daily life around Jesus, not self-effort alone.
Cross-References: Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7; John 3:16; 1 John 5:11-12.