Was Jesus’ Sacrifice Good Enough for You?
“‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’” – Isaiah 1:18
Salvation involves being delivered from the eternal consequences of sin. It requires that we identify and accept the sacrifices made on Calvary’s cross by the God-man Jesus. The perfect sacrifice was given to save us from ourselves, our sin, our inheritance, and our Godless world. It is only by God’s grace that we are saved; it’s absolutely free to us. Jesus paid a tremendous price for a powerful gift.
Still, some would try to cheapen it. They try to water down the message of salvation, saying there are many ways to salvation 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 take care of their sins by doing acts of kindness or good works—like what Jesus did wasn’t good enough!
This brings to mind a story I read in Chuck Swindoll’s book, Growing Deep in the Christian Life:
“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. When we accept the free gift and 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 just about being saved from drowning; it’s also about the opportunity to live a new life—a life committed to significance not just “success”. Isaiah’s words create a powerful picture of a white garment with a scarlet stain. Only the blood of Christ can take that red, crimson stain and make it white as snow. Think about it! No sin is so big and no stain is so deep that it cannot be cleansed by God’s saving grace.
When we come to God in true humility and regret, we are completely redeemed, washed white as snow. What about you my friend? Have you accepted the free gift of salvation? If you have accepted the gift of eternal life, live like someone who has been saved from drowning. Value the sacrifice! Quit floundering and walk a new life.
Let’s not cheapen Christ’s gift. Let’s not water down the message so others will “buy it” and let’s not walk away unchanged. Let’s take this glorious new opportunity and live for Christ!
The Power of Truth:
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Eph. 2:8
Suggestion for Prayer:
If you have been living with a “cheap” salvation, accept God’s full free gift and begin living as Christ intended you to live.