“For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life
in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Romans 6:23 holds the gospel in a single sentence. It tells us the bad news first—what sin earns is death. Then it brings the astonishing good news: God offers a gift, not a wage. Eternal life, freely given, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Unlike earthly gifts that wear out, fade, or break, this gift is perfect, everlasting, and secure. It cannot be earned, bought, or bargained for. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8–9, “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.”
William Barclay put it simply: “Sin earns a wage, and the wage is death. But God gives a free gift, and the gift is eternal life.” We can never do enough to earn salvation. It is grace from beginning to end. Even our best efforts fall short of His glory, but His mercy bridges the gap.
Let it shape how we think, speak, and act—because when we remember what we’ve been given, we are moved to live differently. We no longer strive for approval; we rest in acceptance. We don’t serve God to earn His love—we serve Him because we already have it. Eternal life isn’t just a promise for tomorrow; it’s a new way of living today, grounded in grace and overflowing with hope.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of eternal life. I could never earn it, but You gave it freely through Your death and resurrection. Help me to receive it daily with joy and to live in gratitude and freedom. I surrender again today to Your mercy and love. Amen.
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