Romans 6:1: What Shall We Say Then? Are We To Continue In Sin That Grace May Abound?

Romans 6:1
[1] What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? (ESV)

Paul has made it very clear in the previous chapter that we are saved by grace and not by works. He has only just begun to hammer that point as he will reinforce that truth in the following chapters as well. Paul knew that his critics would have something to say about his doctrine of salvation by grace, not by works.

Who were Paul's critics? Let's consider what the Apostle Paul was before he was a believer in Jesus Christ. In Philippians 3:5–7 Paul says, "a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (ESV)"

Paul knew that his former peers, the Pharisees would view his new theology as promoting sin. In a preemptive strike against his critics Paul raises the question himself. Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? You will likely know the answer to that question which he gives in the next verse, but it is fair to ask the question.

Does a doctrine of grace lead to holiness? Or does it lead to careless sinning? If we properly understand that we are made right with God by his work on our behalf it ought to motivate us to obey him out of a love response for his incredible gift of righteousness. On the other hand, the legalism that the Pharisees held to never saved any of them.

How do you view the doctrine of grace? Is it too risky for you? Are you trying to be "good enough" by your efforts at works? The way to holiness is not by our own effort. It is by receiving the righteousness of Christ. It is a gift. It is that simple.

Comments

Romans 8:18: For I Consider That The Sufferings Of This Present Time Are Not Worth Comparing

Romans 8:18 [18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (ESV) Perspective. What an important word. Let's be honest. We do not like the idea of suffering. We will do almost anything to avoid any kind of suffering. Some churches have gone so far as to preach against the idea of suffering, declaring it to not be a part of the true believer's life. Paul is not shy about the topic. Paul uses the sufferings of this present time as a means to consider the greater glory that awaits us. Perspective. Paul is not in any way attempting to diminish our suffering. A view toward eternity puts our suffering in a proper understanding. Yes, our suffering is terrible. In the grand scheme of eternity it is not even worth comparison. Maybe you are thinking that Paul does not know what he is talking about when it comes to suffering. In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul describes countless beatings, often near death,

Romans 11:24: For If You Were Cut From What Is By Nature A Wild Olive Tree, And Grafted, Contrary To Nature, Into A Cultivated Olive Tree . . .

Romans 11:24 [24] For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. (ESV) We continue looking at the illustration of an olive tree. The root of the tree is the covenant relationship relationship of God with Abraham. Abraham's faith is what this spiritual tree is built on. The first branches would have been the faithful people of Israel, who like Abraham, placed their faith in God. They believed God, just like Abraham, and it was credited to them as righteousness. There were branches of the people of Israel who never placed their faith in God. Because these branches were not true followers of God they were broken off of the tree. Faith in God was the essential element that made the branches true branches of this spiritual tree. Some branches remained. Others, the faithless unbelievers, were removed. After Jesu

Romans 15:20-21: And Thus I Make It My Ambition To Preach The Gospel, Not Where Christ Has Already Been Named

Romans 15:20–21 [20] and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, [21] but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” (ESV) We need to be reminded continually that the message of the Gospel is intended to move all across the world. Jesus said that his followers were to preach the Gospel, starting in Jerusalem, and continue preaching the Gospel to the whole world. Christians have not always been good at delivering the Gospel message as far and as often as they should. In the first century church it took intense persecution to motivate the disciples in Jerusalem to bring the Gospel to Judea and Samaria. Once the disciples fled to new regions they shared the Gospel wherever they went. Would the disciples have preached the Gospel without the persecution? We may never know. Some probably would have stayed in their co

Search This Blog