Romans 6:1–2: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
So when Paul said, “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,” he could sense the inevitable question coming and went ahead and voiced it himself: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” (v. 1). His answer was: “By no means!” (v. 2a) (“May it never be,” NASB; “Of course not!,” TLB; “God forbid,” KJV; “No, no!,” NEB; “What a ghastly thought!” Phillips). Paul has no use for even the slightest intimation that grace encourages sin. In fact, he finishes verse 2 with a question to the contrary: “We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” The remainder of the chapter goes on to substantiate his position. 1
The repetition of the word “know” in Romans 6:1, 6, and 9 indicates that Paul wanted us to understand a basic doctrine. Christian living depends on Christian learning; duty is always founded on doctrine. If Satan can keep a Christian ignorant, he can keep him impotent. 2
Application
- His grace should make you want to sin less, and love more.
- His grace should make you want to live in freedom, and not return to the prison of sin.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for all Your grace that is there to deliver me.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
