The Gospel (Lesson 2)
"For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." – Romans 6:23
The gospel is a promise of a gift.
Wages are something that we earn through our work or effort. They are payment for the services we have rendered. For example, if you work at a job, you receive a salary or wages as payment for the work you have done.
On the other hand, gifts are something that we receive without earning or deserving them. They are freely given, with no strings attached. For example, if someone gives you a birthday present, you did not earn it or deserve it, it was given to you out of love and kindness.
In the same way, the Bible teaches us that our salvation is a gift from God and not something we can earn or deserve.
The apostle Paul contrasts earning a wage versus receiving a gift.
In Romans 6:23, he says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
This verse contrasts the wages of sin, which is death, with the gift of God, which is eternal life in Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul makes it clear that the wages of sin are something that we earn through our own actions. In this case, the wage of sin is death, something that we all deserve because of our sins.
On the other hand, the gift of God is something that is not earned or deserved. Rather, it is freely given to us. And it is not a small gift. It's eternal life in Christ Jesus, where we are forgiven of our sin, reconciled to God as Father, declared righteous in Christ, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit with the hope of eternal joy in the presence of Jesus.
You see, on the cross, Jesus received what the wages of our sin deserved. What he did undermines any attempt at salvation that depends on being good enough to deserve it.
Because of the cross, those who receive God’s gift in Jesus by faith no longer need to fear the wages of sin.
Because the gospel is a promise of a gift.
Discussion Questions
What is the difference between a wage and a gift?
How does the Bible teach that salvation is a gift from God, and not something we can earn or deserve?
How is the concept of salvation in Christianity different from other religions?
How does understanding the concept of salvation as a gift change our perspective on our relationship with God?
How does the comparison of wages and gifts help us understand the depth of God's love and kindness towards us?
A Suggested Prayer
Dear Father in heaven,
Thank you for the gift of eternal life. We understand this is not something we can earn or deserve, but is a gift freely given to us through Jesus. Help us to grasp the depth of your love and kindness towards us and to live our lives in gratitude for your grace.
We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.