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Have you ever felt unworthy of a gift? Perhaps an unexpected dinner out, or a new watch with your name engraved into it. Or for some, a new car in the driveway or a plane ticket to somewhere warm and tropical. I personally like the beach option! As wonderful as a gift would be, I’d be inclined to ask the giver, “What’s the catch? Why are you blessing me when I’ve done nothing to deserve it?”
Your benefactor replies. “I simply wanted to do something nice for you. No ulterior motives or strings attached. In return, I simply covet your continued friendship, love and support.”
Not sure about you, but at this point I’m thinking. This is too good to be true. Doesn’t this kind soul know that sometimes I’m mean spirited? I don’t always love my neighbour and cuss other drivers who cut me off. And just last night, I told my wife that her lasagna was super delicious, when in reality, it wasn’t fit for the neighbour’s dog. I’m a liar too!
So, just like a free handout, the inheritance of salvation astounds me. We can’t earn it, or go to the store and buy it. We don’t deserve it and yet it’s freely given. In a world based on logic, science and self-gratification, how is it even possible that we can be saved by grace through faith? Why is the God of bible superstars like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, of King David, Moses and Paul, so willing and eager to accept me into the kingdom of heaven when I don’t deserve it? When I try to grasp this concept, the willing death and eye-popping resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sins is mind-boggling!
A few nights ago while asleep, God showed me the lack of clutter in his plan. I awoke in tears.
No, my blubbering was not because my wife placed her icy cold feet onto my legs! The reason for my wet eyes resulted from a dream. Already teary-eyed when I awoke, I recalled the image of myself on a stage—belting out an emotionally charged worship song. Clearly an original tune, I tried not to forget the melody or parts of the chorus. Grabbing my phone, I typed in the only two lines of the chorus that I could remember in my groggy state. It went like this...
“And, the Lord sent a Savior just for me... And, the Lord gave up his Son, so I’d be free...”
Pretty simple, right? The remarkable gift of salvation is all because of Jesus! That’s it! “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2, 8-9 NLT)
Not sure about you my friend, but that’s a freebie I’ll gladly accept! How about you?
Paul Smyth
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