Romans 6:15 – “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is addressing a potential misunderstanding about grace. Some might think that if they are no longer under the law but under grace, they have a free pass to sin. Paul rejects this idea strongly with the phrase “By no means!”, which is one of the strongest ways to say “absolutely not” in Greek.

Paul has been explaining that believers are no longer ruled by sin and that they live under God’s grace rather than the Old Testament law. However, grace is not an excuse to sin—it is the power to live in righteousness. Paul is making it clear that true grace leads to a transformed life, not a life of careless sin.

This verse is important because it corrects a common misunderstanding. Some people think that since they are forgiven, they can live however they want. But Paul teaches that those who are truly saved by grace will desire to obey God, not abuse His kindness.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to Christians in Rome, a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers. The Jews had grown up under the law, which meant strict rules about what they could and couldn’t do. The Gentiles had never followed those laws, and some may have lived in sinful lifestyles before coming to Christ.

Some might have thought that since Paul was preaching salvation by grace, obedience no longer mattered. Paul wanted to make sure they understood that grace is not a license to sin. Instead, grace changes a person’s heart so they want to follow God.

The Roman world was full of moral corruption, idolatry, and immorality. Many people lived with the mindset that sin was just a part of life. Paul was reminding Christians that their new life in Christ meant leaving sin behind, not continuing in it.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches some key truths:

1. Grace does not encourage sin. Some people think that since God forgives, it doesn’t matter how they live. Paul rejects this completely.
2. True salvation produces obedience. A person who has truly received God’s grace will not want to abuse it but will desire to live for Him.
3. Freedom from the law does not mean freedom to sin. Christians are not saved by following rules, but they are called to live holy lives because of their relationship with God.

Paul’s teaching here is a warning against using grace as an excuse for sin. A person who thinks they can sin freely because they are under grace has misunderstood what grace really means.

Literary Analysis

Romans 6:15 follows Paul’s statement in Romans 6:14 that believers are not under the law but under grace. Paul anticipates an objection—“If we’re under grace, does that mean we can sin?”—and he immediately shuts it down.

This style of writing, where Paul raises a question and then answers it, is common in Romans. He does this to make sure his readers do not misunderstand him.

The phrase “By no means!” is a strong rejection of the idea that grace encourages sin. The structure of the sentence forces the reader to see that grace and sin are completely opposed to each other.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 6:1-2 – “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” Paul makes the same point earlier in the chapter.
• Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Freedom in Christ is not freedom to sin.
• Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions.” Grace leads to godliness, not sin.
• 1 John 3:9 – “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them.” True faith results in a changed life.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today still misunderstand grace. Some believe that because God forgives, it doesn’t matter how they live. But Paul’s message is clear: if you truly understand grace, you will not want to live in sin.

This verse is a challenge to examine one’s heart. If a person sees grace as an excuse to sin, they should ask whether they really understand what God has done for them. True grace transforms a person’s desires, making them want to please God.

Living under grace means living in freedom—not freedom to sin, but freedom from sin. Christians do not obey God because they have to, but because they want to. They are motivated by love for Him, not fear of punishment.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He gives grace not to excuse sin but to free people from it. He does not just forgive sin—He changes people’s hearts so they no longer want to live in sin.

If God allowed people to use grace as a reason to keep sinning, that wouldn’t be love—it would be neglect. But because He loves His people, He calls them to something better: a life of righteousness and holiness.

This verse reminds us that God’s grace is not weak—it is powerful. It does not just wipe away sins but transforms lives.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the perfect example of someone who lived under grace and never used it as an excuse for sin. He obeyed the Father completely, not because He was forced to, but because He loved Him.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are freed from both the penalty and the power of sin. His grace does not just save—it changes lives.

Some key verses that highlight this:

• John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.” Jesus connects love with obedience.
• Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Jesus lived without sin, showing that grace does not lead to disobedience.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Being in Christ means being transformed.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever thought of grace as an excuse to sin? If so, how does this verse challenge that mindset?
2. How does understanding God’s grace motivate you to live differently?
3. What does it mean to be free from the law but not free to sin?
4. How can you show gratitude for God’s grace in your daily life?
5. In what areas of your life do you need to rely on God’s grace to overcome sin?