Proverbs 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Life is being with God; death is being without God. Sin brings death; forgiveness of sins brings life. Put another way: righteousness delivers from death. “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 6:23]”
We are dead in sins, but alive in Christ. Forgiveness of Sins is earned by Christ and granted by grace for Christ’s sake. God forgives Sin and removes its effect, death. However, sinful flesh still remains until soul and body are separated in temporal death. Alongside the sinful flesh is also the righteous Spirit, or Life of God. These remain at war, but the promise is: righteousness delivers from death; the Victory of life is assured. With Christ, we win!
This “righteousness that delivers” is granted suddenly, at once, definitively, and forever; and it is also worked in and worked out gradually, over time, and in process throughout earthly life. The Holy Spirit is constantly and consistently driving out the deadly effects of sin, and producing new life in our lives. This life-giving power is increased in us when we receive absolution, hear the Gospel, and receive life in Holy Communion.
On the other hand, “the treasures of wickedness profit nothing.” Outward appearances may appear to show benefits coming from sin and evil, but we believe the Word: worldly pleasures and treasures profit nothing, that is, nothing substantial or eternal. We trust in God’s promise of righteousness. It is weighty and substantial, and will never be lost.