Salvation involves being delivered from the eternal consequences of sin. It requires that we acknowledge and accept the sacrifice made on Calvary’s Cross by the God-man Jesus. God provided the perfect sacrifice to save us from ourselves, our sin, Satan, and our Godless world. It is only by God’s grace that we are saved. Jesus paid a tremendous price for an indescribable gift.
Still, some would try to cheapen it. They try to water down the message of salvation, saying there are many ways to God and Jesus is just one of the ways. Many people believe they don’t need Christ’s sacrifice—that they’re basically a good person and that’s good enough. Others say they can counter the effects of their sins by performing acts of kindness or good works, ignoring Jesus’ sacrificial death for them.
This reminds me of a story I heard from Chuck Swindoll:
One of the largest department stores in our nation took on a commercial venture that proved to be disastrously unsuccessful. It was a doll in the form of the baby Jesus. It was advertised as being unbreakable, washable, and cuddly. It was packaged in straw with a satin crib and plastic surroundings, and appropriate biblical texts added here and there to make the scene complete.
It did not sell. The manager of one of the stores in the department chain panicked. He carried out a last-ditch promotion to get rid of those dolls. He brandished a huge sign outside his store that read: “Jesus Christ–Marked Down 50%! Get Him While You CAN!”
God’s Word tells us that salvation is not something we do; it’s something that only God can do. When we try to earn our salvation, we cheapen Christ’s sacrifice and minimize our sin. Isaiah wrote, “Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2) And if we accept the gift but just walk away, we act like spoiled, ungrateful children who don’t appreciate its value.
Imagine a drowning person who is pulled from the ocean. It’s not merely about being saved from drowning but being given a fresh opportunity at life. When we come to Christ in true humility and sorrow over our sin, we are completely redeemed, washed white as snow.
What about you my friend? Have you accepted the gift of salvation? If you have accepted the gift of eternal life, live like someone who has been saved from drowning. Value Christ’s sacrifice! Quit floundering and walk in new life.
Scripture Reading: Acts 3:11–26
Personal Application
Spend time in prayer thanking God for His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Worship and praise Him. Live each day as a gift from Him. Tell someone else today about God’s grace and forgiveness through Jesus. Perhaps the best way to do this is to simply share your story of how you came to Christ.
Jim Grassi, D. Min. and Wendell Morton
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5