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

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The contrast in this verse could not be more striking. Nobody wants to die. Everyone has a deep desire for eternal life, even if they do not acknowledge it. Why would anyone choose death? Do we not understand? Have we not heard? Has no one engaged humanity’s attention in a clear explanation of what is at stake? Can we not comprehend the offer made? Who would choose death instead of life?

This is a tension that we live with on a daily basis. Romans 6:23 lays out God’s offer of grace. Both the bad news and the good news are expressed simply and directly in these twenty words. Acceptance of both is essential to receive the gift.

No one likes bad news, and this is where the message is short circuited for many. Sin is explained away; we believe we are basically okay if we obey the law, raise and support a family, and pay taxes. Performance comparison is another subterfuge, which puts one in good standing compared to another. But sin is a much deeper issue. In countless ways we each contribute daily to the pain and brokenness of this world, and cannot seem to find any way to redeem it on our own.  Yet we say things like, “I am perfectly capable of orchestrating my own life, and have no need of anyone else to interfere.”

In a sense, the good news can also be offensive. “I have earned everything I have, so why do I need a gift? We get what we deserve.”

This is where Christianity and legalism part ways. The Christian’s faith in Christ as Savior grants the free gift from God of eternal life. Legalism seeks to make the individual worthy of eternal life by doing enough. A Christian admits his or her helplessness to solve this crisis. Legalism seeks to justify the individual before God based on morality or service.

This is the stumbling block of the gospel. Yes, we lay down our entire lives in service to God, but our acceptance into God’s family comes first, and this God does all on His own with no assistance from us—a completely free gift.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What objections have you encountered to the bad news and the good news of the gospel?
  • Why do people struggle with the acceptance of the free gift of eternal life?
  • How would you explain in your own words the good news of the gospel?

Church Reading Plan: 

  • Today, March 29: Proverbs 16; Philippians 3
  • Saturday, March 30: Proverbs 17; Philippians 4
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    Sunday, March 31: Proverbs 18; Colossians 1