Paul had reminded the Romans that when they were servants of sin they were free in regard of righteousness. Then he adds: “What fruit then had ye at that time whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death” (Rom. 6:21). The question hopefully makes us all ponder. What is the profit to any if we practice sin? We may deceive ourselves that “stolen water is sweet” but we must grapple with the aftermath of sin (Pro. 9:17). The sinful deeds done while yet we live in them results in things of which it is a shame to speak of (Eph. 5:12). Whatever the pleasure of sin may be, it is but for a season and leaves sinners with bitter memories, and much regrets for his misbehavior (Heb. 11:25).
“For the end of those things is death.” The apostle shows that in addition to the regret, shame and remorse which sin brings to those who succumb to it; there is a greater tragedy, death. Thus he adds, “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). Earlier the apostle spoke of Adam when he wrote, “By one man sin entered the world and death by sin and so death passed unto all men for that all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12).
One cannot sin with impunity. WE are servants to whomsoever we yield ourselves in service to and we reap the fruit of our labor. Jesus said, “He that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin” (Jn. 8:34). Paul told the Galatians, “Be not deceived: God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption. He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Gal. 6:7f). The death here spoken of which sins is the wages, is spiritual death. It’s final end is the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14f).
But, there is hope! The gift of God is eternal life. God’s grace was given that man might escape the death he inflicts upon himself. “By grace have ye been saved, through faith,” Paul wrote to the Ephesians (Eph. 2:8). While we were weak in due season Christ died for the ungodly (Rom. 5:6). “Him that knew no sin he made to be sin in our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor. 5:21).
Life, eternal life is the gift offered us through Jesus Christ. Eternal life is not just “eternal existence:” it is a state of joy, happiness and bliss. And, there are no exclusions in this offer for “God is rich to all them who call upon him!” (Rom. 10:12). The offer is to “Whosoever will” and “All who labor and are heavy laden” (Matt. 11:28; Rev. 22:17). In the words of the apostle in another place: “The grace of God hath appeared bring salvation to all men …” (Titus 2:11). God stretches out His Hand. Who will accept His offered grace?
Jim McDonald
