Keep reading in Romans 6:23!!

You and I have earned eternal death, but in its place, God has offered us the gift of eternal life -- at no cost to us! However, just because He has offered it doesn't make it mine.

When a gift is offered, to make it mine, I must accept it. It's important to remember, a gift cannot be earned. Otherwise, it is no longer a gift.

22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.