Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Paul has been contrasting slavery to sin with new life in Christ. Verse 23 is the summary: two masters, two outcomes.
What Does Romans 6:23 Mean?
In one sentence: sin pays a wage -- death -- but God offers a gift we could never earn: eternal life in Jesus. Paul sets two words side by side: "wages," what you have earned and are owed, and "gift," what is freely given.
Death here is more than physical; it is separation from God. The verse is the gospel in miniature: justice and mercy meet at the cross, where Christ took the wage so we could receive the gift.
In the Original Language
The Greek "opsonia" (wages) is a soldier's pay -- what is rightfully earned. "Charisma" (gift) is a gift of grace, freely given, never earned.
Cross References
Application
Stop trying to earn what God gives freely; receive eternal life as a gift through trust in Jesus Christ.
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