Rules say no; our hearts push back. That tension sets the stage for a clear walk through Romans 6, where we explore why the law exposes and even provokes sin—and how the grace of God in Christ breaks sin’s rule without turning grace into a permission slip. We open with a simple image—the forbidden cookie jar—to show how desire awakens under prohibition, then shift to the better news: where sin abounds, grace abounds more. Not as a loophole, but as liberation.

We unpack union with Christ as the center of change. Being “baptized into His death and resurrection” isn’t churchy jargon; it’s the source of new identity and real power. The old self was crucified with Christ so we are no longer slaves to sin; we rise to walk in newness of life. From there, we get practical and honest about the daily fight: reckon the old self dead, refuse to let sin reign, and offer your mind, tongue, and habits to God as instruments of righteousness. We contrast life under the treadmill of law with life under the strength of grace, and we press into the question many quietly ask: if we’re under grace, why not sin?

Using Paul’s language of service, we face the truth that everyone serves something. Yield to sin and it pays wages—death in pieces now and finally. Yield to righteousness and grace grows holiness, clarity, and joy. We connect justification and sanctification—secure standing and ongoing shaping—and reflect on the fruit of each path. The conversation culminates with Romans 6:23: the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Wages are earned; gifts are received. That changes how we live today.

If this helped you see grace as power, not permission, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. Tell us: where do you sense grace inviting you to walk new this week?

Come On Up is the radio ministry of The Mountain Cross in Waynesville North Carolina. To learn more about us please visit: TheMountainCross.com.