Saturday, October 28, 2023
Do you like receiving a gift? If it’s Christmas, your birthday, or an anniversary, perhaps even Valentines Day, a gift is very welcome, perhaps even expected. But what about the other 361 days of the year. As adults, we often have become skeptical, what’s the catch? Unfortunately, I have received a “gift” and there was a catch. But then, it’s not really a gift is it?! This has caused many of us to question whether a gift is truly a gift when offered.
Have you noticed how children react when offered a gift? They accept it readily, no questions asked. Perhaps that is why Jesus told us, Matthew 18:3, “…unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” To become as little children, why? Children are trusting, they take things at face value, they think simply. Jesus said we needed to be “converted and become as little children” means to change your thinking, does it not?! Verse 4 uses another descriptive word fitting for children, “…whoever humbles himself as this little child…” Adults struggle with the concept of humility for they think it shows weakness when in reality, it shows great strength and is necessary for conversion.
So, what is conversion? Romans 6:23 calls it “the gift of God”.
God, the giver of the gift, the Holy, perfect One, is the creator of the Universe. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created…” God, who has no beginning or end, chose to create the world. Read Genesis 1 and 2 to see how He did it. Furthermore, this amazing God is the God of love. John 3:16a makes that clear, “For God so loved the world…” He loves you. But there is one thing that keeps you from spending eternity with Him, and that is your sin.
Sin is rebellion against God. It is anything you think, say and do that breaks God’s laws. Romans 3:23 states clearly that “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” All means everyone, including you and me. You and I can never measure up to God. Think about it: Did anyone ever have to teach you how to lie? Did your dad have to sit you down and teach you how to disobey your mother? No. You are born with a rebellious nature, wanting your own way. Romans 6:23a states that “…the wages of sin is death…” That means eternal separation from God. If the story ended there, then all of us would be condemned to hell. Yes, hell truly exists.
But God, in His love and mercy, made a way for us to come to Him. Romans 6:23 not only goes on to say He has a gift for us, but what that gift is, “eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus Christ is God the Son who willingly left His throne in heaven to be born here on earth. He grew up just like you and I except He was perfect. He never did anything wrong. As an adult, He did many great and wondrous miracles but He came for one purpose, to die for our sins. He allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross and die a horrific death, shedding His blood for you and me. He took the punishment that you and I deserved. Hebrews 9:22 says, “…without shedding of blood there is no remission.” Remission is another word for forgiveness. He died for your sins, but the proof He had the authority to do so is in the fact that He didn’t stay dead. Three days later He came back to life. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 states, “…Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” The next few verses give the proof in that He was seen by His disciples and over five hundred others during the next forty days before returning to His Father in Heaven.
As a result, He offers the gift of Salvation. Let me give you the rest of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Before, we were condemned to an eternity without God, but Jesus, God’s Son, made the way possible for us to come to Him. The condition: to believe in Him, the Lord Jesus. Believe that He is who He claims to be, the Son of God, and believe in what He did on your behalf. He took the punishment for our sins. John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” So, belief in Jesus Christ is putting your complete trust in Him to be the only way to God. It is not trust in Christ plus your good deeds. It is not trust in Christ plus your upbringing or Church affiliation. It is not trust in Christ plus walking an aisle, saying a prayer or any other action on your part. It is complete and sole trust in Him alone. He will not share the glory of your salvation with anyone or anything else.
If you have never believed in Jesus, you can do so this very moment. Just tell Him. There is no prayer that can save you. It’s not the prayer that saves you, but the act of believing, the act of humbly placing your complete trust in Christ alone. A prayer may express this trust, but it cannot replace it. For example, I was sharing the message of Salvation with a girl once at one of the Fairs we attend and explained what believing in Jesus meant. When I asked her if she would like to believe in Jesus today, she replied, “I already told Jesus as you were talking to me.” She understood.
When you believe in Jesus Christ, putting your trust in Him, He gives you the gift of eternal life. That begins now and continues on when you die and He takes you to be with Him. There are two verses in Hebrews I want you never to forget. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Two points to remember from these verses: One, He will never leave you! It doesn’t matter where you are, what you are doing, or how you are feeling, He will always be with you. He promises this, and He doesn’t lie, so you can count on Him being there no matter where you are or what you are doing. Secondly, He is your helper. He will help you when you are lonely and struggling. He will help you have courage when you are afraid. He will help you to do what is right!
We don’t always choose to do what is right, even when He is willing to help us. Does that mean He leaves? What does Hebrews 13:5 say? NEVER. It is sin that keeps us from Him not Him from us. When that happens, you need 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Confess your sin, no matter what it is, and make things right.
Salvation is a gift. There is absolutely nothing you can ever do to earn it. Once that gift is accepted, 2 Peter 3:18 tells us, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” You grow in your relationship with Him, just like any relationship. Spend time daily with Him, reading the Bible and praying. Reading the Bible is Him talking to you through His word, and praying is you talking to Him at anytime, anywhere, about anything. Ask Him to help you obey His word. Furthermore, it’s getting involved with a Bible believing church so you can be taught and encouraged as you meet with other believers. As you get to know the Lord Jesus Christ better, you will fall more in love with Him and want to do what is right.
Hebrews 3:15 says, “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” If you have never believed in Jesus before today, He is speaking to you. Do not turn away from Him. If you have already responded to His voice, thank Him for the precious gift He has given you and seek to know Him better. If not, 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Now could be your day of salvation.
How do you respond?
Blessings, Mari
