Meet Hunter Childress

Do you remember in elementary school when you learned about cause and effect sentences in English class (the combination of action and reaction)? For example, teachers give you a warning before a final outcome, such as, “If you don’t study, you will fail.” The effect of failing is a consequence like summer school or retaking the class. Another example is the pesky fire drill we practice in school or at work. The fire drill prepares us by issuing a warning and may also protect us from a real danger in the future. The first part of verse 23 is a warning that the effect (or consequence) of sinful behavior is death.

I believe Paul is summarizing his thoughts in this verse with the notion of a cause (two masters to follow, sin or God) and two possible outcomes (death or eternal life). Romans 3:23 states, “[F]or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” James 2:10 instructs us, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” Therefore, we all are sinners; and, because of this, the wages we receive from our sin is death.

Do you want to ignore the fire alarm of God’s warnings? I wouldn't think so. The root cause of the separation between God and man is sin, so God sent Jesus to die for your sins. What can you do to spend eternal life in heaven with God? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Answer: Admit you are a sinner. Believe that Jesus died for you! Confess your sins to God, trust that He forgives you, and receive the FREE gift of eternal life with Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Lastly, I am thankful for God's amazing grace shown by a comma, and not a period, after the word death in this verse.