DIG for Friday the 10th of April…. you’ve just got to love those buts #02…..Romans 6 v23

“Wow, I have never heard that last bit before”, was the comment as I read Romans 6 v 23.

Sitting in a Bible study a number of years ago this lady was surprised by what came after the BUT, as she had only ever been taught about the first part of the verse.

I agree that the first part of Romans 6 v 23 is true, but it is not the whole truth and it is not the Gospel (or good news).

Sin is terrible and sin is “terminal” if it is not dealt with.

BUT Jesus has dealt with it and paid the price on the cross (1 John 2 v 2).

Through Jesus, God has given us a gift that if we accept will result in eternal life with Him.

This verse must not be split but must be read in completion with an understanding of the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Teachers of the law use this verse, or at least the start of it, to try and force their flock towards less sin in their life through guilt and condemnation.

That does not work!

It is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance (Romans 2 v 4) and it is the understanding of righteousness that results in less sin in the life of a believer (1 Corinthians 15 v 34).

The love of God towards us and our righteousness through faith in Jesus are the keys to living a holy life.

It is the understanding of our position in Christ rather than our performance that is the key.

Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord for the finished work of Jesus Christ and thank you for you gift of eternal life through Him”.

Romans 6 v 23…..For the wages of sin is death; BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord