"The free gift of God is eternal life" (Romans 6:15-23).
St. Paul writes to the Christians in Rome because they lived in constant danger of becoming too casual with the gifts of God -casual and careless to the point of returning to their former sinful ways. Their initial fervor for the Gospel had passed. Loose living and misbelief started to permeate the congregation.
There's always the temptation to backslide. Sometimes familiarity breeds contempt for God's instruction in Christian living. Corresponding to that, a subtle contempt for the saving Gospel itself manifests.
Questions are asked in order to justify continued sinning. In response, St. Paul returns the Romans to stark realities of sin and its consequences. He also returns them to the place of true power and holiness -the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sin kills faith, while the Gospel brings eternal life.
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God in Christ is eternal life. Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel. Neither should we.
May God give us the gift of repentance and genuine awareness/sorrow over our sin. May He also cause a renewed desire/awakening within us for the righteousness and purity of His holy Gospel.
-Dale
Great message Dale, thanks
"May God give us the gift of repentance and genuine awareness/sorrow over our sin. May He also cause a renewed desire/awakening within us for the righteousness and purity of His holy Gospel."
AMEN!!!
Many thanks Dale!!!
God Bless,
David B.
Amen to those wise words! :bible:
Amen Dale, very good message!!! :bible:
Jody