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Response
Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Essentially, sin is an act of rebellion against God. Our sins create a divide between us and God, who is the creator and sustainer of life. Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life” «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6a). God is often referred to as the great “I AM,” and life is found in Him. Therefore, when we sin and distance ourselves from God, we are also moving away from true life, leading to death. Consequently, we face death. Three key points need to be clarified:
Firstly, sin may not immediately lead to physical death. Romans 6 does not imply that sinning will result in immediate physical death but rather points to spiritual death.
Secondly, through salvation in Christ, we are saved from ultimate spiritual death and brought into eternal spiritual life. Paul informed the Romans, “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” «For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.», (Romans 6:23b).
Thirdly, even the sins of believers can lead to a form of spiritual “death.” While we are saved from the ultimate consequences of sin (eternal separation from God), we are not immune to the natural outcomes of a strained relationship with the Father. Sinning brings about symptoms of spiritual death, such as guilt, emptiness, confusion, or a sense of disconnection from God. Our actions may reflect unrighteousness rather than righteousness.
Righteous. Our sin, even as believers, hurts the heart of God and grieves His Spirit «And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. », (Ephesians 4:30). Though it does not sever our relationship with Him, our sin does put a barrier between us.
Think of a child and a parent. When a child disobeys, the relationship with his parent is strained. The parent still loves the child and still has the child’s best interest at heart. The child never stops belonging to the parent. However, the child may experience some consequences: mistrust, discipline, a sense of guilt, and the like. The relationship is ultimately restored, but generally pain comes first.
So it is with us and God. When we rebel against God’s rule in our lives, we rebel against the Life, and therefore experience “death” (a brokenness resulting in pain). When we return to God, we are also restored to spiritual life—communion with God, a sense of purpose, righteousness, freedom, etc. The rejoicing father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son said it best: “This son of mine was dead and is alive again” «for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. », (Luke 15:24).
