Romans 6:1-2 (ESV) – What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Grace feels too free for some people. They want to earn God’s love and acceptance. The simple invitation to receive what Christ accomplished for us in His death and resurrection by faith leaves many wanting to do more.

One of the reasons some people struggle is they believe the free gift of salvation leads people to live recklessly. They assume the gift of salvation leads to sinful indulgence. They say something like, “If people don’t have to do anything to be saved, won’t they just abuse grace and keep sinning?” The apostle Paul anticipates objections to grace in our passage today. We read in Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”

Paul highlights the salvation that comes through faith in Jesus in Romans 5. The one man, Jesus, provides us a righteousness by faith. It leads Paul to anticipate the objection. If God gives grace to sinners and gets glory from saving them, will people just keep sinning so more grace can be given? It is a twisted logic. It misses the whole point of what happens in salvation. Our hearts are changed. We receive new life in Christ. The Holy Spirit indwells us to live lives pleasing to God. The desire to live in rebellion and sin no longer rules us. Sin remains in our flesh, but a new desire drives us. We want to obey God. 

This is why Paul answers the objection that he raises by saying, “By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” In other words, how can those truly saved by grace keep living in an active lifestyle of rebellion? They can’t. It is impossible. Those that have tasted the grace of Christ want to live for Him and His glory. 

As followers of Christ, we should model and demonstrate this doctrine for others to see.

We who claim to follow Jesus should look different than we did before salvation. We live for the glory of the One who washed us white as snow. Grace transforms our lives. It does not excuse us to keep living in sin.

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Reflection & Journal:
- Why do people fear grace is “too free”?
- What does Paul highlight in this text concerning the idea that Christians are free to live how they want?
- How does this passage prepare you to speak with others about grace and God’s expectation of obedience?

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