SIN'S PENALTY           

Romans 6:23

            This scripture has two very significant parts, each of which must be considered.  Note that unlike man's law, God has only one punishment for sin; that is death.  Also, unlike many religious teachings, God provides only one means of salvation from sins (Acts 4:12). 

 I.  The wages of sin is death

      A.  Wages are something you earn for your work

1.  Man cannot be justified by his works (Gal. 2:16)

2.  The works of the flesh will prevent on from inheriting the Kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21)

3.  You will get what you work for (Gal. 6:7-8)

4.  You cannot work to become righteous (Titus 3:5, Isaiah 64:6) 

       B.  There are 3 types of death

1.  Spiritual Death

                   a.  Man made in Image of God (Gen. 1:26, John 4:24)

                   b.  Death of man promised by God (Gen. 2:17)

Adam and Eve did not die a physical death in the  day that they sinned.  They were driven from the Garden. But they had children after then (Gen. 4:1, Gen. 5:1-5).  Because of man's sin, God knew that man would not always follow after God's Spirit (Gen. 6:3).  Through sin man died not a physical death that day but rather a spiritual one.  He lost fellowship, that perfect communion with God (Eph. 2:1, I John 1:6-7).

2.  Physical Death

                   a.  This occurs when the body and spirit separate  (James 1:26, Rom. 5:12)

                   b.  Adam and Eve had free access to everlasting life (Gen. 2:16-17)

c. Access to everlasting life was denied after they sinned (Gen. 3:22-24).

d.  Man's body may now deteriorate and die a natural, physical death.  As man becomes more sinful, his life-span decreases.

               3.  Eternal Death

                    a.  Everlasting destruction, separated from God (2 Thess. 1:7-10)

b.  Who receives eternal death (Rev. 20:13-15)

                           1.  not those who labor for the gospel (Phil. 4:3)

                           2.  those who sin against God (Ex. 32:33) 

II.  Gift of God is Eternal life

A.  Gift

          1.  A gift is given without any work being involved. 

          2.  The gift is free (Romans 5:16-21)

B.  Eternal Life

            1.  The term everlasting or eternal means time without  defined ends.

            2.  Not all will have everlasting life (Dan. 12:2)

3.  Those who accept Jesus as Lord and personal savior will get eternal life (John 3:36, John 6:40). 

III. Summary

            What man should receive for his sinful ways is death.  For this is the penalty announced by God initially.  However, because Jesus has paid the debt for our sins God offers a free gift of eternal life.  You may keep what you earn or open your heart and receive a free gift from God.