Ellen Gould White
What does Ellen White write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "The theological significance of Romans 6:23"
Answer
The theological significance of Romans 6:23 lies in the sharp contrast between the rightful wage of sin and God's unearned gift. While sin brings the “second death” as final destruction, God offers eternal life through Jesus Christ. This verse illustrates that a person either inherits life through obedience or, by conscious rebellion, receives death as their deserved wage.
The contrast between death and eternal life
»The wage of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord." While life is the inheritance of the righteous, death is the portion of the wicked. The death mentioned in these passages is not the one pronounced over Adam, for all humanity suffers the penalty for his transgression. It is the "second death" set against eternal life. As a result of Adam's sin, death passed over the entire human race. All alike go down into the grave. And by the provisions of the redemption plan, all are to be brought forth from their graves.«
Refutation of false teachings about hell
»Satan tempts another class, who are fearful and shy, to sin; and after they have sinned, he tells them that the wage of sin (not death, but) is an eternal life of dreadful torment that must be endured through the endless ages of eternity. Satan seizes the opportunity and magnifies before their weak senses the horrors of an endless hell and takes hold of their mind, so that they lose their reason. ... I saw that the heavenly host was filled with indignation over this brazen work of Satan.«
Man's choice and God's righteousness
»The destiny of the wicked is determined by their own choice. Their exclusion from heaven is self‑chosen and, from God's side, just and merciful. ... When life is over, it is too late to turn their thoughts from transgression to obedience, from hatred to love. "The wage of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord." While life is the inheritance of the righteous, death is the portion of the wicked. The "second death" is set against eternal life.«
Christ as a representative sacrifice
»Each individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending before God's judgment. ... For the wage of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But Christ gave His life to preserve the sinner from the death sentence. He died so that we might live. Through His death He brought salvation within the reach of all.«
Sin is death, righteousness is life
»Sin is death; righteousness is life. Sin cannot be transformed into righteousness, but it can be removed and Christ's righteousness placed in its stead. The Savior was revealed to take away our sin. "The wage of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life." The Pharisees trusted in their own righteousness ... Christ's righteousness brings life and healing.«
The obligation toward the Redeemer
»Jesus has paid a price for them, and they belong to Him. They are His possession; and if they do not wish to obey the One who gave His life for them, but devote their time, strength, and talents to Satan's service, they earn their wage, which is death. Imperishable glory and eternal life are the reward our Redeemer offers to those who wish to be obedient to Him. ... "The wage of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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