Bible Study - Romans 6

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

O - Commentary:

The wages (the Gr. word opsōnia originally meant a soldier's pay) of sin is death (eternal death here, in contrast with "eternal life" in v. 23b). This death is eternal separation from God in hell, in which unbelievers suffer conscious torment forever (Luke 16:24–25). This is the wages they have earned and deserve because of their sin (cf. Rom. 5:12; 7:13). By contrast, the gift (charisma, "grace-gift") of God is eternal life (cf. John 3:16, 36). Eternal life is a gift that cannot be earned

John A. Witmer, ["Romans,"](https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ro6.20-23&off=921&ctx=ed+these+contrasts.+~The+wages+(the+Gr.+w) in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 465.

A - Death is earned. Life is given. Every day we get a choice — and every day we fall short of it. Our minds wander. Our words wound. Our actions miss the mark. That's the wage of sin, and every one of us has cashed the check. But here's the good news: God's gift doesn't discriminate. It's not for the perfect. It's not for the deserving. It's for anyone who says yes to Jesus. One choice changes everything.

R - Heavenly Father, You are Lord over all. We confess our sin and receive Your free gift of grace through Jesus Christ. Guard our thoughts. Guard our words. Guard our actions. Let everything we do today honor You. In Jesus' name, amen.