Romans 6:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G5101} shall we say {G2046} then {G3767}? Shall we continue {G1961} in sin {G266}, that {G2443} grace {G5485} may abound {G4121}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So then, are we to say, “Let’s keep on sinning, so that there can be more grace”?

Berean Standard Bible

What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:1 presents a crucial rhetorical question posed by the Apostle Paul, anticipating a potential misunderstanding of the doctrine of grace. Having just declared the superabundance of God's grace over sin, Paul directly confronts the erroneous notion that believers might intentionally persist in sin to experience an even greater outpouring of divine favor. This verse serves as a pivotal transition, setting the stage for Paul's profound explanation of the believer's radical break from sin's dominion and their new life in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:1 immediately follows Paul's triumphant declaration in [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Where Sin Abounded, Grace Much More Abounded") that "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." This powerful statement, intended to magnify the incredible scope of God's unmerited favor, could be (and evidently was) misinterpreted by some. Paul, a master rhetorician, anticipates this logical but perverse conclusion: if grace increases in proportion to sin, why not continue in sin to ensure a greater display of grace? The question in [Romans 6:1](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1 - Shall We Continue in Sin?") is a direct, indignant challenge to this antinomian (anti-law) thinking, serving as a springboard for his detailed exposition in the rest of [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ") on the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection, and the subsequent call to live a life of righteousness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul was writing to a diverse church in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. The Jewish believers were accustomed to a law-centric understanding of righteousness, while some Gentile converts might have come from backgrounds where moral relativism or philosophical systems that minimized the seriousness of sin were prevalent. The concept of "grace" (χάρις, _charis_) was revolutionary, offering forgiveness and new life apart from adherence to the Mosaic Law. However, such a radical concept was susceptible to misinterpretation, leading to the charge that it promoted licentiousness. Paul's forceful rejection of this idea in [Romans 6:2](/romans/6-2 "Romans 6:2 - Paul's Emphatic Rejection") ("God forbid!") underscores the urgency of correcting this theological error, which likely had real-world implications for the behavior of believers in the early church.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and highlights several crucial themes that Paul will develop throughout [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ"). Firstly, it directly confronts the **misunderstanding of grace**, asserting that grace is not a license for sin but an empowerment for holiness. Secondly, it underscores the **radical break from sin's dominion** that occurs at conversion, emphasizing that believers are no longer slaves to sin but have been set free. Thirdly, it sets up the theme of **union with Christ**, explaining that the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection means they have died to their old sinful nature and are now alive to God. This foundational truth is elaborated in verses like [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ") and [Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Alive to God in Christ Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **continue (Greek, _epiménō'_):** From the Greek G1961, meaning "to stay over," "remain," or "persevere." In this context, it carries the sense of deliberate, persistent, and habitual engagement in sin. Paul is asking if believers should *continue steadfastly* in a lifestyle characterized by sin, implying a conscious choice to remain under its influence rather than breaking free from it.
* **sin (Greek, _hamartía'_):** From the Greek G266, meaning "a sin" (properly abstract), "offence," or "sinful." It refers to missing the mark, a deviation from God's righteous standard. Here, it is used in the singular, often representing sin as a pervasive power or principle that holds humanity in bondage, rather than merely individual acts of transgression. The question is about continuing under the dominion of this power.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From the Greek G5485, meaning "graciousness," "divine influence upon the heart," and "its reflection in the life." It encompasses God's unmerited favor, His benevolent disposition towards humanity, and the spiritual power He bestows. The misunderstanding Paul addresses is that this amazing, superabundant grace could somehow be *dependent* on or *encouraged by* the very thing it seeks to overcome—sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What shall we say then?":** This is a classic Pauline rhetorical device, a direct address to his audience (or imagined objectors), signaling a critical point of theological clarification. It creates a conversational tone, drawing the reader into the argument and anticipating a logical, albeit flawed, conclusion that might arise from his previous statements.
* **"Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?":** This is the core of the rhetorical question. The phrase "continue in sin" (ἐπιμένωμεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, _epimenōmen tē hamartiā_) implies a deliberate, ongoing lifestyle of sin. The conjunction "that" (ἵνα, _hina_) introduces a purpose clause. Paul is not asking if sin *might accidentally* lead to more grace, but if one should *purposefully* sin *in order that* grace might increase. This framing highlights the absurdity and blasphemy of such a proposition, as it would turn God's grace into an incentive for rebellion rather than a catalyst for transformation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Romans 6:1](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1 - Shall We Continue in Sin?") is the **Rhetorical Question**. Paul poses a question not to elicit information, but to make a point, to provoke thought, and to anticipate and emphatically refute a false conclusion. This device allows him to engage his readers directly and set up his subsequent, powerful refutation in [Romans 6:2](/romans/6-2 "Romans 6:2 - Paul's Emphatic Rejection"). There is also an element of **Anticipation**, as Paul foresees a potential theological misunderstanding that could arise from his teaching on the abounding nature of grace. By addressing it head-on, he preempts misinterpretation and solidifies the true implications of the gospel. The question itself, when understood in its full context, carries an implied **Irony**, as the suggestion that one should sin to gain more grace is utterly contrary to the very nature and purpose of God's grace, which aims to liberate from sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:1 serves as a critical theological hinge, transitioning from the doctrine of justification by faith (how we are declared righteous) to the doctrine of sanctification (how we live righteously). It firmly establishes that God's grace, while entirely unmerited and freely given, is never a license for moral laxity or continued sin. Instead, true grace transforms the heart and empowers the believer to live a new life, free from sin's dominion. The very purpose of grace is to rescue us from sin's power and lead us into a life of obedience and holiness, reflecting the character of God. To continue in sin would be to fundamentally misunderstand and abuse the very gift that sets us free.

* [Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Grace, Not Law, Dominates")
* [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom in Christ, Not for Sin")
* [Titus 2:11-12](/titus/2-11-12 "Titus 2:11-12 - Grace Teaches Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:1 confronts a timeless temptation: to presume upon God's grace. In every generation, there is a tendency to view grace as a theological loophole, a divine "get out of jail free" card that permits ongoing indulgence in sin without consequence. Paul's emphatic rejection of this idea reminds us that true saving faith is not merely intellectual assent to a doctrine, but a transformative encounter with a living God that changes desires, empowers obedience, and reorients one's life away from sin and towards righteousness. If our understanding of grace does not lead us to hate sin and pursue holiness, then we have fundamentally misunderstood the heart of the gospel. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our lives: are we truly dead to sin, or are we still subtly seeking to leverage God's mercy for our own comfort in disobedience?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Do I ever subtly or overtly rationalize my sin by appealing to God's grace?**
* **How does my understanding of grace impact my daily choices and my pursuit of holiness?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "continuing in sin" rather than actively pursuing freedom from its power?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live more consistently with the truth that I am dead to sin and alive to God?**

### FAQ
**Does Romans 6:1 mean that if I commit a sin, I'm no longer under grace?**

Answer: No, absolutely not. Romans 6:1 is addressing the *intentional and continuous* practice of sin, not isolated acts of failure. Paul is refuting the idea that one should *purposefully* or *habitually* continue in sin with the expectation that it will lead to more grace. The grace of God is indeed sufficient to cover all sins, past, present, and future, for those who are in Christ. However, true grace also empowers us to *not* continue in sin. As [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness") reminds us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The issue in [Romans 6:1](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1 - Shall We Continue in Sin?") is the *attitude* towards sin and the *direction* of one's life, not the occasional stumble of a repentant believer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:1, while a rhetorical question, finds its profound answer and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very reason we cannot "continue in sin, that grace may abound" is because our union with Christ through faith means we have died to sin and been raised to new life. As Paul elaborates in [Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Baptized into Christ's Death and Resurrection"), "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Christ's death on the cross was not merely to forgive our sins but to break sin's power over us. His resurrection is the guarantee of our new life, a life empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness. We are no longer slaves to sin because Christ has purchased our freedom, not so we can return to bondage, but so we can live as His redeemed people, reflecting His holiness. Our identity in Christ means we are "dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Alive to God in Christ Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 2:16

As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Romans 6:15

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Romans 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Romans 3:5

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

Romans 3:8

And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

Romans 5:20

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: