If you believe that we all have immortal souls that can never die, you may want to publish your own version of the Bible and leave out Romans 6:23.
The King James Version says it so clearly that you could hardly misunderstand it: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
These words from St. Paul present the two distinctly opposite outcomes for human beings. Death or eternal life.
Unrepentant sinners, ie., the lost, will not end up living eternally. Anywhere. In any condition. Paul makes death the exact opposite of eternal life.
He’s not talking about this temporary death we all die when our bodies give out for one reason or another. In Romans 6:23, Paul is talking about what happens after the great day of judgment (see Revelation 20:11, 12).
He’s talking about what happens after lost sinners suffer under the sentence of divine justice, according to their own evil deeds.
He’s talking about the ultimate end of sinners who must pay the penalty for their own sins.
It’s what the prophet John calls “the second death” (Revelation 20:14). Nothing survives. It’s oblivion.
“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” No immortal soul is required. It’s a gift. Everlasting life is the eternal outcome for all who recognize their need and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
I’m going to leave Romans 6:23 right where it is.