Thursday, June 25, 2026

Scripture

“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Reflections

Sin isn’t exactly the most popular topic of conversation for most.  It can get to be a bit depressing.  We’re all sinners in need of a Savior.  We’re enslaved to sin.  Nothing we do will be able to free us.  Trying harder will not free us.  Making a commitment to do better will not free us.  Pretending it doesn’t exist will not free us.

Ultimately, sin just brings about our own destruction.  Adam and Eve sinned in the garden and the consequence was their own mortality.  “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19)  In the words of the Apostle Paul, “The wages of sin is death.”

Paul, in Romans, makes use of the word “gift”.  It is only by the free gift of God that we have life.  The life we have now is a gift.  The breath we are breathing this very moment comes by the grace of God.  We did not earn it.  We did not make it happen.  It comes as a gift from God.

The same is true of eternal life.  It comes to those who believe as a gift.  We are not entitled to it.  There is nothing we can do on our own to live beyond the grave.  We are powerless.  Trying harder will not guarantee us eternal life.

It comes as a free gift from the heart of our loving Lord God.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus.  No matter what happens this day, keep me mindful of that gift made possible through Jesus’ death and resurrection.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Romans 6:12-23