Christian Message Boards: Sipping, slipping, Stipend

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Posted by Michael Harrison (Member # 6801) on :

Rom 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Wages is considered to be a stipend. The definition of 'stipend' is as a periodic payment such as was given to the Roman soldiers. Now, modern Christianity takes this verse to mean that 'sin' reaps eternal damnation. However, that comparison would be more like a retirement fund. "Stipend" means weekly or monthly payments. In other words, repayment for sin is the accumulation of 'death'. What this means is relationship dies somewhat, or a whole lot. In other words, it is not what it should be, or could be.

That is not to 'harp' upon sin and beat anyone down. It simply is a fact that relationship is very important, and though it sounds like some people emphasize it, there is yet something missing.

These verses preceed the one above:

Rom 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Rom 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

So to put verse 23 into context:

Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

For the wages of sin, if you 'take it lightly' (verse 23) is to have the opposite of "fruit - unto Holiness," in the now! So, one misses something. And who wants to do that?