Mission Venture Ministries

“Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” (Romans 6:1) 

The underlying teaching of Romans 6:1 is that for those united with Christ, having died to sin through faith, symbolized by baptism into Christ’s death. If they continue to live in sin contradicts their new identity as people alive to God. Sin no longer has dominion over them. Grace is meant to conquer sin, not to encourage it. The verse serves to emphasize Christian moral responsibility in light of salvation and grace, rejecting any notion that sin can be deliberately continued to increase grace. 

We are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8). When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, all of our sins are forgiven and we are guaranteed eternal life in heaven. Salvation is God’s gift of grace. 

Does this mean that a Christian can live however they want and still be saved? Yes. But a true Christian will not live “however as they want.” A Christian has a new Master and does not serve himself any more. A Christian will grow spiritually, progressively, in the new life God has given them. Grace is not a license to sin. 

Willful, unrepentant sin in a person’s life makes a mockery of grace and calls into question that person’s salvation (1 John 3:6). Yes, there are times of failure and rebellion in a Christian’s life. And, no, sinless perfection is not possible this side of glory. Christians are to live out of gratitude for God’s grace, not take advantage of God’s grace. 

Ephesians 4:13 says that the spiritual gifts are given to build up the body of Christ “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Some translations say that we will become “perfect” (instead of “mature”), and from this some people have mistakenly thought that we can reach sinless perfection in this life. The Bible teaches that, while we are in the flesh, we will always struggle with a sin nature (see Romans 7:14–24). No one will be “perfect” (sinless) until we reach heaven. 

The word translated “mature” in Ephesians 4:13 is used throughout the New Testament to mean “perfect,” “complete,” “full-grown,” and “mature.” What Ephesians 4:13 teaches is that, the more we grow in Christ, the stronger and more unified we will be as a church. The verse does not teach that we will stop sinning. 

Another passage that people sometimes get confused about is Colossians 1:28, which says, in some translations, that Paul wants to “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Also, in Colossians 4:12 Paul prays that we would “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” In both verses, the Greek word for perfect should be understood to mean “mature” or “full-grown,” not “having NO sin.” 

As human beings we are bound under Adam’s nature in this world. No matter how hard we try not to, we will still sin against God. This holds true for everyone. The apostle Paul rebuked Peter for showing favoritism (Galatians 2:11–13). Late in his ministry, Paul calls himself the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Peter, James, John, and Paul all admitted that they were imperfect. How could you or I claim anything different? 

True perfection will not come until the rapture of the church, when we rise to meet Jesus in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). At that time the dead in Christ will be resurrected and the bodies of the living will be changed (Philippians 3:20, 21; 1 Corinthians 15:54). We will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) where our works will be judged and rewards will be given (1 Corinthians 3:9–15). Our redemption will be complete, and our sin will be gone forever. We will live and reign with Christ in sinless perfection forever. 

Here are several related New Testament passages about grace and sin: 

Romans 5:20-21 highlights that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so grace reigns through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ. 

Romans 6:12-14 instructs believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies or obey its desires, as they are under grace, not law, so sin shall not have dominion over them. 

1 John 2:1 encourages believers not to sin, but if anyone does, Jesus Christ is their advocate with the Father. 

Hebrews 4:15-16 shows Jesus as the high priest who was tempted but without sin, allowing believers to confidently approach God’s throne of grace to find help. 

John 1:16-17 contrasts the law given through Moses with the grace and truth that come through Jesus Christ. 

1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness and cleansing from sin when confessed. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 emphasizes that God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness. 

Titus 2:11 speaks of God’s grace appearing to bring salvation for all people. 

These passages together teach that grace is not only God’s unmerited favor that forgives sin but also empowers believers to overcome sin, live holy lives, and draw near to God confidently knowing they have an advocate in Jesus Christ.​ 

In summary, Romans 6:1 challenges the misconception that the gospel encourages sin by offering grace, instead urging believers to live transformed lives free from sin’s control because of their union with Christ’s death and resurrection. Romans 6:23 affirms that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through grace in Christ Jesus. 

Remember that God saves us by His grace, and then we need to “grow in grace” (2 Peter 3:18). This we can do because “the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ” (1 Peter 5:10). 

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SOURCE: Portions taken from Gotquestions.org