The Wages Of Sin
And The Gift Of God
Romans 6:23
Throughout the Word of God we are
constantly assured of two facts. First, if anyone goes to hell, it is his
fault, his own responsibility, altogether the result of what he has done, and
that for which he alone must bear the blame forever. Second, if anyone is
saved, if anyone goes to heaven, it is God's fault, altogether the result of
that which God has done, and that for which God alone must have the praise
forever.
"THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH!" Sin
is what we all are by nature; and sin is all that we do in a state of rebellion
against God. It is as impossible for a sinner to do good as it is for water to
be dry. Our corrupt nature corrupts all our thoughts, feelings, words, and
deeds. As a corrupt fountain only brings forth corrupt water, so a corrupt
heart only brings forth corruption. That means that the very plowing of the
wicked is an abomination to God, and even our righteousnesses are filthy rags
in his sight (Prov. 21:4; Isa. 64:6). Sin is also our choice. We all drink
iniquity like water (Job 15:16). And that which sin deserves is death,
eternal death, which is eternal separation from God and the eternal vengeance
of his holy wrath. Death is the debt God owes to sin. And God always pays his
debts. "BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE!" Eternal life comes to
guilty sinners not as a debt, or a reward for something we have done, but as
the free grace gift of God.The new birth, which is the beginning of eternal
life in the soul, is the gift of God. Heavenly glory, which is the consummation
of eternal life, is also the gift of God. Death,hell,and
judgment are things we earn by sin. But grace, life, and heaven are things
freely given to sinners "THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!" Christ,
having paid the debt of sin for his people by his death upon the cross, has
made it right and just for the holy Lord God, who must punish sin, to give
eternal life to all for whom he died. Through the merits of Christ, through his
blood and righteousness, God gives eternal life to everyone who believes on
him. Even the faith by which we receive this gift is the gift of God and the
result of his operation of grace (Eph.2:8;Col.1:12).
Faith in Christ is not the cause of God's gift, but the result of it. If you
now believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, God has given you eternal life! It is
altogether his work! "Salvation is of the Lord!"
Don Fortner