It's interesting how gullible we can be when offered 'free' stuff. Such usually is of scant value anyhow. But of vital significance is the fact that GOD offers sinners free deliverance from the guilt and penalty of sin. And further, believe it or not, this means free entrance into heaven. Sadly and unbelievably, most turn away from the offer and often derisively so.
What goes? Why would anyone reject an offer of free grace from the Lord Himself? Here's why: In sin every human is born blind. He can't see. He can't understand. He is dead in tresspasses and sin (Ephesians 2:1).
On the other hand, those who receive the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, look back and knowingly realize that it was God Himself who vivified them. God Himself enabled them to see, understand and believe. The Bible declares, "And you hath He quickened who were dead in tresspasses and sin" (Eph. 2:1). Salvation from sin is all of grace alone. This is God's grace (undeserved favor) received through faith alone, apart from any human effort.
The offer still holds for all who will receive it! If you find yourself 'wanting' it, consider yourself 'quickened' and by faith accept Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. He paid for your sins long ago on the cross. His resurection forever verifies the victory that can be yours, receiving it by faith alone. Be the Christian who can say, I've been "justified (declared righteous, by God Himself), as a GIFT by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24). It's FREE, I say, FREE! It cost God His Son, but to you it costs nothing.
Martin Luther remarked: "The saved are singled out not by their own merits, but by the grace of the Mediator." "Our salvation is a pure gratuity from God," so said the renowned theologian, Benjamin B. Warfield.
- dick christen
