THE WAGES OF SIN

TITLE: THE WAGES OF SIN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 6:23
Supporting Texts: Ezekiel 18:4, James 1:15, Revelation 20:12-15

INTRODUCTION:
Sin has always had a consequence, and the Bible clearly states that the payment or "wages" for sin is death (Romans 6:23). This death is not just physical but also eternal separation from God. Sin is a rebellion against God's holiness, and it comes with severe consequences if left unaddressed. However, the verse also gives hope, as it continues to declare that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Today, we will explore the reality of sin, its consequences, and the solution that God has provided through Jesus.

1. THE REALITY OF SIN

a) Sin separates us from God
From the beginning, sin has caused separation between humanity and God. Adam and Eve’s sin led to the breaking of the relationship between God and mankind (Genesis 3:6-8).

b) All have sinned
The Bible makes it clear that every person is guilty of sin. There is no one who is righteous on their own (Romans 3:23).

c) Sin is disobedience to God’s laws
Sin is anything that goes against God’s commands and His will for our lives. It includes not only wrong actions but also wrong thoughts and attitudes (1 John 3:4).

d) Sin leads to spiritual death
When sin entered the world, it brought death with it. This death is both physical and spiritual, meaning eternal separation from God (Ephesians 2:1).

Biblical Example: Adam and Eve
In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. As a result, they were banished from the Garden of Eden, and death entered the world through their sin (Genesis 3:17-19).

2. THE WAGES OF SIN

a) The cost of sin is death
Sin has a price, and that price is death. This is a spiritual law that cannot be changed or avoided (Romans 6:23).

b) Physical and eternal death
Sin leads to physical death (separation of the soul from the body) and eternal death (separation of the soul from God in hell) (Revelation 20:14-15).

c) No one can escape the wages of sin
Every person will face judgment, and without Christ, the consequence of sin is eternal separation from God (Hebrews 9:27).

d) Sin cannot be paid off with good works
No amount of good deeds or religious actions can pay the debt of sin. Only a perfect sacrifice can atone for sin (Isaiah 64:6).

Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot
Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Though he tried to return the money, he could not undo the consequence of his sin, which led to his death (Matthew 27:3-5).

3. THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE

a) God’s love offers hope
Despite the penalty of sin, God, in His love, offers us the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

b) Jesus paid the price for sin
Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment for our sins. He took the penalty of death that we deserved, so we could have eternal life (1 Peter 2:24).

c) Eternal life is a free gift
Eternal life cannot be earned—it is a gift given freely to those who believe in Jesus and accept His sacrifice (Ephesians 2:8-9).

d) Salvation is available to all
This gift of eternal life is offered to every person, regardless of their past sins. All who come to Jesus will be saved (Romans 10:13).

Biblical Example: The Thief on the Cross
In Luke 23:39-43, one of the thieves crucified next to Jesus asked Him for mercy. Despite his sinful life, Jesus assured him that he would be with Him in paradise that very day.

4. THE URGENCY OF REPENTANCE

a) Repentance is the key to salvation
To receive the gift of eternal life, we must repent of our sins—turning away from them and turning to God in faith (Acts 3:19).

b) Today is the day of salvation
The Bible urges us to respond to God’s offer of salvation today because tomorrow is not promised (2 Corinthians 6:2).

c) Refusing salvation leads to eternal loss
If we ignore God’s offer and continue in sin, we are choosing death and eternal separation from Him (Hebrews 10:26-27).

d) The longer we delay, the harder our hearts become
The more we resist God’s call, the more our hearts become hardened to the truth of the gospel (Hebrews 3:15).

Biblical Example: King Saul
King Saul repeatedly disobeyed God and refused to repent. His unrepentant heart led to his downfall and eventual death (1 Samuel 28:16-19).

5. HOW TO RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE

a) Acknowledge your sin
The first step to receiving salvation is admitting that you are a sinner in need of God’s grace (1 John 1:9).

b) Believe in Jesus Christ
Believe that Jesus died for your sins and that He rose from the dead, conquering death for you (Romans 10:9).

c) Confess Jesus as Lord
Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and commit to following Him as your Saviour (Romans 10:10).

d) Receive the gift of eternal life
Accept God’s free gift of eternal life, and walk in the assurance that your sins are forgiven (John 1:12).

Biblical Example: The Philippian Jailer
In Acts 16:30-34, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” The jailer and his entire household believed and were baptized that night.

CONCLUSION:
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Today, God is offering you the chance to escape the penalty of sin and receive eternal life. Do not delay in responding to this offer. Jesus has already paid the price for your sin. All you need to do is open your heart, repent, and receive Him as your Saviour.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I thank You for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

2. Father, I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness today.

3. Lord, help me to live a life that honours You and turns away from sin.

4. Father, I pray that my loved ones will also receive Your gift of salvation.

5. Lord, protect me from the hardening of my heart towards You.

6. Father, I thank You for the assurance of eternal life in Christ.

7. Lord, use me to share the message of salvation with others.

8. Father, give me the strength to resist sin and live in righteousness.

9. Lord, let Your grace be sufficient for me as I walk with You.

10. Father, I declare that I am free from the penalty of sin through Jesus’ sacrifice.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that through Jesus Christ, I have received eternal life.

2. I declare that sin no longer has power over me because I am redeemed.

3. I declare that I am no longer under the penalty of death, but I live in the grace of God.

4. I declare that my sins are forgiven, and I am a new creation in Christ.

5. I declare that the gift of God’s salvation is mine today and forever.

6. I declare that my life will reflect the transformation of God’s grace.

7. I declare that I will walk in righteousness and not return to sin.

8. I declare that the power of sin is broken over my family and loved ones.

9. I declare that my name is written in the Book of Life.

10. I declare that I will share the message of salvation with boldness and conviction.