What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul isn't just posing a rhetorical question; he's actually addressing a potential, albeit twisted, interpretation of his own words. The idea isn't merely that "more sin equals more forgiveness," but that the magnificence of God's grace is displayed in its ability to overcome even the most abundant sin, a point some might be tempted to exploit.
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off discussing how God's grace overflows even more than sin, Paul anticipates a dangerous misunderstanding. Some might wrongly conclude that since more sin leads to more grace, they should keep on sinning so grace can be even more glorified. Paul immediately rejects this idea, setting the stage to explain why this thinking is completely twisted and how believers, united with Christ, are actually set free from sin's dominion.
Ever wondered if God's forgiveness has limits? Or if His amazing grace might actually encourage sin?
Paul anticipates a dangerous misinterpretation of God's abundant grace. Some might hear that 'where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more' and think, 'Great! Let's keep sinning so God's grace can shine even brighter!' This question, 'Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?' isn't just a historical curiosity. It's a temptation to treat God's mercy like an unlimited license to sin. Paul immediately rejects this idea, calling it unthinkable. The core issue is understanding that grace isn't a reward for sinning; it's the very power that frees us from sin's dominion.
What does it mean to be 'dead to sin'? Does it mean we're no longer tempted, or something far more profound?
Paul's answer to the dangerous question is rooted in a radical new reality: believers have 'died to sin.' This isn't just a past event or a future hope; it's a present spiritual reality that redefines our relationship with sin. Because we are united with Christ in His death, sin's power over us is broken. We are no longer its slaves. To continue living in sin after this divine rescue would be like a dead person deciding to go back to work – it's a contradiction! Our union with Christ means we've been fundamentally set free from sin's authority, not just its penalty.
If grace isn't for more sin, what it for? What's the ultimate goal of God's incredible mercy?
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Paul dismantles the idea that grace is meant to inflate our sin. Instead, he points to the true purpose of God's grace: to empower us for a new life. Justification by faith and the incredible forgiveness that comes with it aren't ends in themselves. They are the foundation upon which God builds a life of holiness. Our salvation isn't just about escaping punishment; it's about being transformed into the likeness of Christ. Grace abounds not to excuse our sin, but to enable us to live free from its power and devoted to God.
Understand the original words
hamartia · Greek Noun
The Greek noun often refers to acts of disobedience or missing the moral mark of God's law. In a theological sense, it describes both the sinful nature inherited from Adam and the resulting acts of rebellion against God's will.
charis · Greek Noun
God’s unmerited favor, kindness, and enabling power toward those who deserve judgment. It is the active, transforming operation of God’s love that saves the believer and sustains their ongoing sanctification.
pleonazō · Greek Verb
The Greek verb refers to the state of increasing or overflowing in abundance. Theologically, it describes the counter-intuitive reality that as human rebellion increases, God’s reach of mercy increases even more.
Paul is responding to potential misunderstandings among new believers, particularly Gentiles recently converted from paganism, who might misinterpret God's abundant grace as a license to continue in sinful practices.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified in Jerusalem, and Christians believe he was resurrected, founding the early Christian movement.
c. 33-60s AD
Early Spread of Christianity
The Gospel spreads rapidly through the Roman Empire, with apostles like Paul establishing churches in major cities like Corinth and Rome.
c. 57 AD— this verse
Paul Writes to the Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, addressing theological questions and practical implications of the Christian faith.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
A major fire devastates Rome, and Emperor Nero blames the Christians, initiating a period of intense persecution.
This passage questions if the law, which brings sin, can give life, similar to how Romans 6:1 questions if sin can foster grace. It highlights that God's ways with grace are distinct from how the law operates.
1 Peter 2:16This verse warns against using freedom in Christ as a pretext for evil, directly addressing the same potential misuse of grace that Paul tackles in Romans 6:1.
Jude 1:4This passage condemns those who pervert the grace of God into sensuality, mirroring the false conclusion Paul anticipates and refutes regarding continuing in sin.
Romans 5:20This verse, which states 'where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,' is the direct context that prompts Paul's question in Romans 6:1. It shows the 'aha!' moment that can lead to a misunderstanding if not properly understood through the lens of sanctification.
Colossians 2:11-14This passage describes believers as circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, buried and raised with Christ, which parallels the death to sin and new life discussed in Romans 6, emphasizing the transformative power that makes continuing in sin impossible.
bengelRomans 6:1: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
Romans 6:1 . Ἐπιμενοῦμεν ; shall we continue? ) Hitherto he treated of the past and the present: now he proceeds to treat of the future; and the forms of expression are suited to those, which immediately precede, whilst he speaks respecting the ‘abounding’ of grace. In this passage the continuing in sin is set before us; in the 15th verse, the going back to sin, which had been overcome. The man, who has obtai…
clarkeRomans 6:1: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
Shall we continue in sin - It is very likely that these were the words of a believing Gentile, who - having as yet received but little instruction, for he is but just brought out of his heathen state to believe in Christ Jesus - might imagine, from the manner in which God had magnified his mercy, in blotting out his sin on his simply believing on Christ, that, supposing he even gave way to the evil propensiti…
Paul isn't just posing a rhetorical question; he's actually addressing a potential, albeit twisted, interpretation of his own words. The idea isn't merely that "more sin equals more forgiveness," but that the magnificence of God's grace is displayed in its ability to overcome even the most abundant sin, a point some might be tempted to exploit.
Fresh off discussing how God's grace overflows even more than sin, Paul anticipates a dangerous misunderstanding. Some might wrongly conclude that since more sin leads to more grace, they should keep on sinning so grace can be even more glorified. Paul immediately rejects this idea, setting the stage to explain why this thinking is completely twisted and how believers, united with Christ, are actually set free from sin's dominion.
Fresh off discussing how God's grace overflows even more than sin, Paul anticipates a dangerous misunderstanding. Some might wrongly conclude that since more sin leads to more grace, they should keep on sinning so grace can be even more glorified. Paul immediately rejects this idea, setting the stage to explain why this thinking is completely twisted and how believers, united with Christ, are actually set free from sin's dominion.
"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?" — Paul isn't just posing a rhetorical question; he's actually addressing a potential, albeit twisted, interpretation of his own words. The idea isn't merely that "more sin equals more forgiveness," but…
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Last reviewed October 2026