Paul presents vivid contrasts in this short little verse:

Two masters – sin and God

Two methods – wages and free gift

Two results – death and eternal life

We know from Scripture that ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). God could have just left us in this terrible predicament of being lost and on our way to hell, He was under no obligation whatsoever to rescue us. But out of His great love and mercy He sent Jesus to this earth to shed His blood for our sins. So that by simply placing our faith in Christ and His blood for the forgiveness of our sins we are saved eternally! There is no work we can do for our salvation, Jesus did the only work that God will ever accept on the cross at Calvary. (Ephesians 2:8-9) tells us “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” And (Romans 5:8-9) says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified through His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!”

Glorious and gracious Father, holy and perfect in every way, thank you for your sacrificial grace, which bridges the great gulf between your perfect righteousness and my imperfection and sinfulness. Thank you for the gift of eternal life. May my mortal life be holy and pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.