13.15

Why Not Sin? (Box 13.10)

In Romans, Paul addresses issues of sin and grace. If God forgives sin, someone might ask, why would anyone want to stop sinning? If there is no limit to God’s grace, why not just “sin all the more, that grace may abound” (see 6:1)?

Paul thinks that these are questions that only an unconverted person would ask. Those who have actually received God’s grace and been put right with God through faith know better. The will to sin has been broken: they have died to sin (6:2) and been freed from its hold over them (6:6–7).

Paul claims that his gospel actually provides a better motivation for obedience than the law ever did: inner renewal (12:2) rather than fear of condemnation (8:1). Those who have been reconciled with God through the death of Jesus are no longer God’s enemies (5:10), and they may now be expected to offer themselves in obedience to God out of spiritual worship (12:1).

Even so, Paul reminds his readers that “no condemnation” (8:1) does not mean “no accountability” (14:12). We will still stand before the judgment seat of God (14:10).