This is one of those verses to keep in your pocket for witnessing. It covers the basics of salvation. Straightforward. Clear. “Yes, the Bible says it right here!”
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
Notice the three couplets of primary words and their contrasting features. All in this verse!
Sin | God. Everybody has problems, and they are related to sin in one way or another. We can’t avoid it. But, also, we can’t avoid God! He is real. He is here.
Wages | Gift. Wages are earned. We write ourselves a paycheck because of our sins. A gift is freely given and undeserved. It is given with freedom and joy. God has a gift for everybody!
Death | Life. Everybody dies. It’s what sin leads to eventually. It’s the payment, the wages. It doesn’t need to be the end, however. God’s gift is eternal life. We can continue in heaven living forever.
All of this comes together through the saving work and teaching of Jesus Christ. Believe in him as your Lord.
Keep this outline and the contrasts in mind for your witnessing.
PRAYER: Dear God, salvation is free, but it isn’t cheap. You gave your one and only Son. Kindle the fires of my passion for witnessing, and speak through this verse to me and others. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Some passionate about witnessing often talk about “the Roman road” as a way to walk through some verses in the book of Romans when witnessing. The verses are Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10,13. You can find explanations online, like this one.
