### The Wages of Sin: A Progressive Payment
The phrase "the wages of sin is death" from Romans 6:23 is a profound statement that encapsulates the consequences of sin. However, understanding this phrase in the context of physical death, diseases, aging, and even infant mortality requires a deeper examination of the Greek terminology and the broader biblical narrative.
#### The Greek Context
In Romans 6:23, the Greek word for "wages" is **ὀψώνιον** (opsōnion), which originally referred to the pay given to soldiers. This metaphorical use suggests a cumulative process, where small payments or "deposits" accumulate over time, ultimately leading to death. Sin, therefore, does not result in immediate physical death but progressively affects the body and soul, leading to eventual mortality.
#### Progressive Payment Through Sin
The idea of sin causing progressive deterioration aligns with the concept of **Adamic condemnation**, where sin entered the world through Adam, and its effects are inherited by all humanity. This inherited sin nature manifests in various forms, including transgression, diseases, aging, and physical death.
Romans 5:12 states, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." This verse underscores that death, as a consequence of sin, is not an instant penalty but a gradual process that affects every human being.
#### Sin in the Flesh
Romans 7 provides further insights into how sin operates within the human body. Paul writes, "For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death" (Romans 7:5). The term "members" here refers to the physical parts of the body. Sinful passions, ignited by the law, are at work within these members, leading to death. This indicates a progressive internal struggle where sin causes cumulative damage, leading to physical decline. Proverbs 17:22 New King James Version A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. Spirit meaning mental attitude
In verses 21-23, Paul elaborates, "I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." This internal conflict underscores the pervasive nature of sin, which resides in the body and contributes to its degradation.
#### Sin as Cellular Aging
Interpreting sin as cellular aging offers a modern perspective that aligns with Paul's depiction of sin's progressive impact on the body. Aging, characterized by the gradual decline of cellular function, can be seen as a manifestation of the sin nature. Genetic mutations, cellular damage, and the breakdown of bodily systems reflect the cumulative "deposits" of sin over time.
Moreover, diseases can be viewed as manifestations of this inherent sinfulness. Many diseases are caused by genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices, all of which can be linked to the broader concept of sin's pervasive influence.
#### Infant Mortality
The issue of infant mortality further illustrates the inherited nature of sin. Infants, who have not committed personal sins, still suffer from the consequences of sin through inherited genetic conditions and vulnerabilities. This aligns with the doctrine of Adamic condemnation, which asserts that the effects of Adam's sin are transmitted to all humans, affecting them from birth.
#### Conclusion
The phrase "the wages of sin is death" encapsulates a complex theological and existential reality. Sin, inherited from Adam, operates as a progressive force within the human body, leading to diseases, aging, and eventually death. This cumulative process is akin to receiving payments over time, rather than an immediate penalty. By examining the Greek terminology and the broader biblical context, we gain a deeper understanding of how sin's consequences unfold within our physical existence.
Romans 6:23 and Romans 7 illuminate the pervasive nature of sin and its impact on the human body. Sin's "wages" are paid in deposits over time, manifesting in physical deterioration and mortality. This understanding underscores the profound need for redemption and the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which offers hope and restoration amidst the inevitable effects of sin.
