Meet Lindsey Monsivais

“But” is one of my favorite words. It signifies a contrast, an exception, a turning point, and it’s arguably the most crucial word in Roman 6:23. Let me explain.

When sin entered the world, it created a chasm in the perfect relationship mankind had with God. Sin is anything a person thinks, says, or does that dishonors God, and it comes with a horrible price. The first part of Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death . . . .” A wage is something you earn, such as wages for a job. What you earn for dishonoring God is death—eternal separation from Him. If that were the end of the story, it would be a pretty depressing conclusion.

Thankfully, it’s not the end. A twist in the narrative happens in the second part of Romans 6:23, and it includes the biggest “but” in the Bible. “. . . [B]ut the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” With a single word, the entire story changes. Even in our sin, God offers us a gift. A gift is not something you earn or deserve. You can’t pay for it through good works or by keeping a seat warm on Sunday morning (see Ephesians 2:8-9). It is given solely out of love.

God’s gift is eternal life with Him, a restored relationship with the Creator, a bridge over the chasm. But to offer this gift, God had to sacrifice His Son. Sin yields death; therefore, death is the required payment for sin. Do you know anyone who is willing to sacrifice his child to have a relationship with you? I certainly don’t—that is, except for God. On top of that, Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross with joy because He knew it was the only way to save you.

Knowing this, you now have two choices: you can reject God’s gift or accept it. Reject it, and you will be eternally separated from God. Accept it, and your relationship with God is restored, and you can spend eternity with Him. Which will you choose?