The Gift of God
"For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 6:23
Eternal Life is not based on the merits of man but on the mercy of God. In other words, eternal life will not be earned with "good works" because your redemption was purchased by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Therefore, salvation is to be received as a gift by believing in Jesus Christ and receiving Him as your Savior. The Bible verse, Romans 6:23, is divided into 3 parts to help you understand your need of God's gift, eternal salvation.
THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH
The Gift of God is Eternal Life
Through Jesus Christ our Lord
Sin required a perfect sacrifice, therefore God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (Jn 1:1-14; Php 2:1-11; He 1) to die in our place as the payment for sin to purchase eternal salvation for every man. Salvation therefore, is a gift, the gift of God, to be received like a gift by trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior.