The Wages Of Sin

THE WAGES OF SIN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 6:23

Supporting Texts: Ezekiel 18:4, James 1:15, Revelation 20:12-15

INTRODUCTION:

Sin has always had a consequence, and the Bible clearly states that the payment or "wages" for sin is death (Romans 6:23). This death is not just physical but also eternal separation from God. Sin is a rebellion against God's holiness, and it comes with severe consequences if left unaddressed. However, the verse also gives hope, as it continues to declare that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Today, we will explore the reality of sin, its consequences, and the solution that God has provided through Jesus.

1. THE REALITY OF SIN

a) Sin separates us from God

From the beginning, sin has caused separation between humanity and God. Adam and Eve’s sin led to the breaking of the relationship between God and mankind (Genesis 3:6-8).

b) All have sinned

The Bible makes it clear that every person is guilty of sin. There is no one who is righteous on their own (Romans 3:23).

c) Sin is disobedience to God’s laws

Sin is anything that goes against God’s commands and His will for our lives. It includes not only wrong actions but also wrong thoughts and attitudes (1 John 3:4).

d) Sin leads to spiritual death

When sin entered the world, it brought death with it. This death is both physical and spiritual, meaning eternal separation from God (Ephesians 2:1).

Biblical Example: Adam and Eve

In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. As a result, they were banished from the Garden of Eden, and death entered the world through their sin (Genesis 3:17-19).

2. THE WAGES OF SIN

a) The cost of sin is death

Sin has a price, and that price is death. This is a spiritual law that cannot be changed or avoided (Romans 6:23).

b) Physical and eternal death

Sin leads to physical death (separation of the soul from the body) and eternal death (separation of the soul from God in hell) (Revelation 20:14-15).

c) No one can escape the wages of sin

Every person will face judgment, and without Christ, the consequence of sin is eternal separation from God (Hebrews 9:27).

d) Sin cannot be paid off with good works

No amount of good deeds or religious actions can pay the debt of sin. Only a perfect sacrifice can atone for sin (Isaiah 64:6).

Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot

Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Though he tried to return the money, he could not undo the consequence of his sin, which led to his death (Matthew 27:3-5).

3. THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE

a) God’s love offers hope

Despite the penalty of sin, God, in His love, offers us the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

b) Jesus paid the price for sin

Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment for our sins. He took the penalty of death that we deserved, so we could have eternal life (1 Peter 2:24).

c) Eternal life is a free gift

Eternal life cannot be earned—it is a gift given freely to those who believe in Jesus and accept His sacrifice (Ephesians 2:8-9).

d) Salvation is available to all

This gift of eternal life is offered to every person, regardless of their past sins. All who come to Jesus will be saved (Romans 10:13).

Biblical Example: The Thief on the Cross

In Luke 23:39-43, one of the thieves crucified next to Jesus asked Him for mercy. Despite his sinful life, Jesus assured him that he would be with Him in paradise that very day.

4. THE URGENCY OF REPENTANCE

a) Repentance is the key to salvation

To receive the gift of eternal life, we must repent of our sins—turning away from them and turning to God in faith (Acts 3:19).

b) Today is the day of salvation

The Bible urges us to respond to God’s offer of salvation today because tomorrow is not promised (2 Corinthians 6:2).

c) Refusing salvation leads to eternal loss

If we ignore God’s offer and continue in sin, we are choosing death and eternal separation from Him (Hebrews 10:26-27).

d) The longer we delay, the harder our hearts become

The more we resist God’s call, the more our hearts become hardened to the truth of the gospel (Hebrews 3:15).

Biblical Example: King Saul

King Saul repeatedly disobeyed God and refused to repent. His unrepentant heart led to his downfall and eventual death (1 Samuel 28:16-19).

5. HOW TO RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE

a) Acknowledge your sin

The first step to receiving salvation is admitting that you are a sinner in need of God’s grace (1 John 1:9).