New Testament

Romans 6:1

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Paul poses a rhetorical question to address a potential misunderstanding about grace.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

So what should we say? Should we keep on sinning so that grace may increase?

KJVKing James Version

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Paul poses a rhetorical question to address a potential misunderstanding about grace. He anticipates that some might think that if God's grace increases when we sin, then we should sin more to receive more grace. However, Paul is challenging this idea, emphasizing that grace is not a license to sin. Instead, he is setting the stage for a deeper discussion about the relationship between sin and grace, and how believers should respond to God's gift of grace. The implication is that true understanding of grace leads to a transformed life, not one that continues in sin. This verse serves as a critical point in Paul's argument about the nature of salvation and the believer's new identity in Christ, which should lead to a life that reflects righteousness rather than sinfulness.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 6:1 to your life

As believers, we should not take God's grace for granted by continuing in sin. Instead, we are called to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ. This means striving for holiness and making choices that honor God, recognizing that grace empowers us to overcome sin rather than indulge in it.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 6:1 mean?

Romans 6:1 addresses the misconception that if grace increases with sin, then one should sin more to receive more grace. Paul argues against this idea, emphasizing that true grace leads to a transformed life that does not continue in sin.

What is the meaning of grace in Romans 6:1?

In Romans 6:1, grace refers to God's unmerited favor that forgives sins. Paul highlights that while grace is abundant, it should not be seen as a reason to continue sinning, but rather as a motivation to live righteously.

Why does Paul ask a rhetorical question in Romans 6:1?

Paul uses a rhetorical question to provoke thought and clarify a misunderstanding about grace. He anticipates that some might misuse the concept of grace as a justification for sin, which he aims to correct.

How should believers respond to Romans 6:1?

Believers should respond to Romans 6:1 by recognizing that grace is not a license to sin. Instead, they are called to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Christ, striving for holiness and making choices that honor God.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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