Read: Romans 6:15-23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (v. 23)
Parents try to teach their children that certain actions result in painful consequences. We warn them not to touch a hot stove, cross the road without looking both ways, get into a car with a stranger, engage in sexual activity outside of marriage, or harm their body with drugs or alcohol.
There are consequences for those who don’t report to work, who don’t save money, or who break the law. When we break God’s laws by sinning against him, there are always consequences. Sin leads to guilt, shame, embarrassment, and ultimately death (Gen. 3:3; 5:5). We all expect to experience physical death someday, but those who never experience salvation through Christ will also die spiritually and be separated from God for eternity in hell.
Until we grasp the severity of sin and spiritual death, we will not understand the good news—that the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord! Understanding the consequences of sin moves us to praise God for a second chance. If you have found salvation in Christ, you can sing “Amazing grace!—how sweet the sound—that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”
Prayer: God of grace, thank you for sparing me from the eternal consequences of sin. Use me to bring warning, hope, or direction to others today. Amen.
About the Author
Rev. Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Trustees.
