Romans 6:23
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Romans 6:23 presents a core gospel truth: humanity's sin results in spiritual death, but God freely offers eternal life through Jesus Christ alone. This Bible verse emphasizes the contrast between the consequences of sin and God's redemptive grace. Key theological terms for search intent include 'sin', 'wages of sin', 'eternal life', 'gift of God', and 'through Jesus Christ our Lord'. Ideal for users seeking meaning, interpretation, or application of Romans 6:23, this verse addresses themes like salvation, justification, and the central role of Christ in Christian faith.
Summary
For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23, located at the conclusion of Paul's teaching on sanctification (Romans 6), offers a dramatic juxtaposition: 'For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.' The Greek word for 'wages' (ὀψώνια, opsōnia) originally referred to rations or compensation paid to a soldier, underscoring that death is the earned result of sin (cf. Genesis 2:17, a foundational text where death is the consequence for disobedience, https://www.chabad.org/library/biblecdo/aid/8167/showrashi/true/jewish/Chapter-2.htm). In contrast, 'gift' (χάρισμα, charisma) denotes an unearned, gracious endowment from God—a repeated Pauline term for divine generosity (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5-7). This eternal life (ζωὴ αἰώνιος, zōē aiōnios) is mediated 'through Jesus Christ our Lord,' asserting Christ's exclusive and mediatory role (John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5). Theologically, the passage encapsulates the doctrine of substitutionary atonement (cf. Isaiah 53:5–6, https://www.chabad.org/library/biblecdo/aid/15941/jewish/Chapter-53.htm), linking humanity’s inability to earn life through works and affirming soteriology by grace alone (sola gratia). This climactic verse closes Paul's argument that believers, united with Christ in His death and resurrection, are set free from sin's dominion (Romans 6:1-14) and now live under grace’s reign (Romans 5:21).
In our everyday struggle with sin, Romans 6:23 stands as both a sober warning and a breathtaking promise. The 'wages of sin is death'—not just the finality of physical death, but a deep spiritual separation from God. Yet, God’s response isn’t mere judgment; it’s extravagant mercy. He offers us a free gift—eternal life—found only in Jesus Christ. When guilt or shame presses in, let this verse remind you: your standing with God isn’t based on what you’ve earned, but what Christ has given. Rejoice in grace that cannot be bought, only received. And let your daily choices reflect gratitude for a Savior who exchanges our deserved end for His unending life. Today, rest secure in the hope that Christ’s gift is sufficient, and walk forward empowered by His love.