(more from Romans)
SCRIPTURE: and OBSERVATION:
Romans (NIV) 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
But, praise be to God, things are different now! No longer a slave to sin, we have become slaves to God! Serving sin reaped results and so does serving God; but what a difference. Serving sin results in death. Serving God leads us in a life of holiness leading to eternal life!
Note the comparisons: slaves to sin vs. slaves to God; no benefit vs. great benefit; death vs. life!
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And here it is stated simply and clearly. Here is the summation of the matter. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!”
And what a gift it is! It is eternal life that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I want to receive it, I have to do nothing but accept it! It is a gift!
I receive a physical gift by reaching out my hand. I receive a non-physical gift, like a compliment, simply by saying, “Thank you.” Thank you, Lord, for saving my life from eternal death. Thank you, Lord, for purchasing the gift of eternal life with your death on the cross. Thank you, Lord, for giving that gift to me. It is mine, and I am thankful!
APPLICATION: Once sin entered the picture, God knew that there is nothing man could do to merit or earn eternal life. Man could not do enough good deeds or say enough prayers to equal the value of forgiveness and eternal life. If God wanted man to share eternity with Him, He would have to make a payment worthy to cover sin. And that is what He did in sending Jesus to live without sin and die on the cross for our sins.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned, but I believe your promise to forgive me if I confess my sins. I receive your gift and make you my Lord. Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
NOTE to SOAP Readers: God’s blessing is on this SOAP ministry. Recently many have accepted Jesus as their Lord and joined us in living for God. Many new believers have very limited access to Bibles, so recently I have tried to cover some basics of our faith. I pray they will be a blessing to everyone and an aid in helping each of us be stronger witnesses. Pray for me to write SOAPs that God can use.
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 