The Wages Question
S. E. Keeble. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Men are born to serve. The majority are materially. All are morally. Only a choice of service open to us — the service of sin, or of righteousness. We are keen on "the wages question" in matters material; much more ought we to be in matters moral. Of these two services mark — I. THE CONTRAST IN THEIR BEGINNINGS. 1. The service of sin is at first promising. (1) Its demands are easy. To serve Satan, self, the world, is attractive to human nature. Like prospectuses promising 30 per cent. (2) And it begins well. At first delightful. Pays dividends at first. 2. The service of righteousness is at first unpromising. (1) Its demands are high. The opposite of those of sin. Self-control, self-denial, self-sacrifice. Service of virtue and truth. Hence it begins with sorrow, conviction of sin, penitence. (2) And no wages can be earned therein. An apparently hard service, slow progress. When done all, unprofitable servants, (R.V.) "free gift." All we get comes undeserved. II. THE CONTRAST IN THEIR ISSUES. 1. The service of sin ends badly. (1) It issues in death. "The wages of sin is death." "Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." Death, physical, moral, eternal. Sinner like some decoyed drudge worked to death. Yet the service has a fatal fascination for many. (2) And death deserved. These wages are earned. Had power of choice, are responsible. Will be paid in full. But sin pays them, not God. Hate it, not Him! 2. The service of righteousness ends blessedly. (1) It issues in eternal life. "Gift of God is eternal life." A service which is its own reward, which ennobles, which confers "glory, honour, immortality" upon its servants." The servant is taken into partnership, is lifted up to the throne, partakes of the King's life. It has, if not wages, an exceeding great reward, passing all possible desert. (2) Which not only consummates, but accompanies it. It is through and "in Jesus Christ our Lord," who supplies the working strength. Hence this hard service becomes easy. Hence it does not weaken and wear us out like human and sinful service, but we are renewed day by day. "In Him is life." (S. E. Keeble.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. WEB: For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.