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The Gift of God is Eternal Life -Romans 6:23

Romans 6:23

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For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 NIV

Paul here contrasts two things. What I deserve. And what God offers to me. What I deserve is death because of my sin. There is nothing I can do to compensate for my sin. I can do nothing to earn salvation.

But the good news is that God offers me a gift. The gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. This gift is not something I could earn. If it was, it would not be a gift. Instead, it is based on God’s grace that he extends toward a fallen humanity. In Ephesians 2:8, Paul also talks about this gift of God. In that passage, he identifies the gift as salvation and that the gift is an act of grace. It is something that he freely gives to us.

This gift is given to all who believe. The passage in Ephesians identifies faith as the means of receiving God’s gift. Romans 3:22 also identifies faith and believing as the means of receiving the righteousness of God. Paul tells the Philippian Jailer to “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). God gives his gift to all who will receive it by faith.

The Gift of Eternal Life

And the gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus. I think we often misread this expression and just see it as saying that the gift of God is eternal life. But it is more than just eternal life. It is eternal life in Christ. It is a loving and personal relationship with my savior and redeemer. A relationship that will never end or grow old. And it is a relationship that I have now, not something that I have to wait for in the age to come. John 17:3 identifies eternal life as knowing both God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.

What an amazing and undeserved gift that God has given to us.

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

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