The Wages of Sin

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

This verse of scripture from the apostle Paul draws a contrast between the gift of eternal life and the wages of sin, which is death. It is interesting that both selections are available by choice, however, you can only choose one of the options.

In speaking of death, Paul talks about the “wages,” a word which from the Greek referred to a soldier’s pay. Thus it refers to something which you earn. In this case, payment for your sin. Yes, you earn something for a life of sin. The reward for such labors is “death.” This is not a reference to physical death, but spiritual death.

The original word for death means, “a separation.” A life of sin will allow you to earn separation from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). A separation which will last for all eternity (Matt.25:46).

In contrast, Paul speaks of the “gift of God.” The word “gift” is set purposely in contrast to wages. Here Paul refers to something which you do not earn. The American Standard translation of 1901 emphasizes the gift by using the word “free”; “the free gift of God.” A gift is something which is given to you without obligation. “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” (Eph. 2:8-9). The gift, in contrast to death, is “eternal life.” As opposed to being separated from God for all eternity, the gift is the blessing of being with God for all eternity. It is a marvelous gift. Paul conveyed that to the Corinthians. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

What is unfortunate is that most people opt for the wages of sin which leads to death. If you have never made a choice between the two options, then you have already chosen death. But if you want the gift, then through Christ you can obtain it through faith and obedience (John 11:25-26; 14:6; Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:8-9). What is your choice today?

The water is ready (Acts 22:16, Acts 8:36-37, Col. 2:12) are you?

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