The Wages of Sin is Death, but…

Let me tell you one funny interpretation of this I've heard from people.

You're watching a movie. You see one wicked man, doing evils, making many cry, using some witchcraft powers, financial advantage or political influence to oppress people so much that he's led to the death of many. In fact, you're almost beginning to forget it's just a movie in that you're already taking it personal. And towards the end of the movie, somehow the wicked man dies a terrible death. And then you say "that's good for him. Well deserved! Because bible says 'the wages of sin is death'". Oops!

Oftentimes we take this verse carnally in judging people they ought to be saving. We're supposed to be channels of salvation to the wicked people around us, and not judges sentencing them to eternal punishment.

Now what is the verse actually saying?
For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 6:23 KJV)

Now, is this verse saying you should die for your sins? No! No!
Let's see the previous verse.

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the END of those things [is] DEATH… {but did you die? If someone had killed you then, will you have had the opportunity of salvation?}
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (Romans 6:21-22)

So, it isn't saying anyone that sins should be killed. Rather, it's saying, the wages sin pays you is death, but God's gift is that you live forever. Which would you rather choose?

Now, observe the contrast the author used in describing both terms – death and eternal life.

One is "wages", the other is "gift".

A wage is a DESERVED pay. "for the labourer is worthy of his hire" (Luke 10:7). "The labourer [is] worthy of his reward." (1Tim 5:14) It is something you have WORKED FOR and thus you MUST get. It is your right. Man sinned, and got paid in death. It was well deserved. And truly, death reigned over all (Rom 5:14). But eternal life through Christ Jesus is the part that is not merited, yet God gave it to us. Wont you say "Thank you Jesus"?

So the verse isn't instructive: it is descriptive, better still, narrative. It's informing you of what HAS BEEN DONE. Man (including you) had sinned already! "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)… and now, God's gift is available, to overwrite the death with eternal life. God's Grace is greater than sin! Alleluia!

It will be wickedness next time, to recite only the death part of this verse just because you are displeased and so get judgmental. Recite it in full! Let men also know they don't have to die for their sins. That you're wicked doesn't mean you should pay the price for your wickedness: for you Christ died. Alleluia!