Translate

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Jesus God’s Gift to the World

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

What a wonderful gift God has so graciously lavished on us through our Savior, Jesus Christ!  This gift may be free to us, but it cost God everything.  God gave us life, not the death we deserved.  Jesus lovingly came and walked among us—submitting Himself to death on a cross to atone for our sins.  While Jesus lived and walked among us, He experienced everything common to life as a human (Hebrews 4:14-15 see here). 

Jesus understands us and is our Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1 see here).  Knowing all that Jesus did for us and how He is our Advocate should give us great courage!  In fact, we can approach the God’s throne with boldness (“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

Jesus endured so incredibly much for us.  He took all of our sins and diseases upon Him on the Cross.  It’s hard to fathom the depth of the suffering and pain He took upon Himself for us.  Jesus willing gave His life that you and I might live—live a full life on earth and have a glorious eternity.  What an amazing sacrifice!   

Without this gift, we would spend an eternity separated from God.  Like all freedom, this freedom comes at a price; the price is surrendering to God and to serve Him—being willing to do what He asks of us.  And sometimes, what He asks isn’t always easy or popular.  It can even lead to rejection by others, including our family.    

Salvation changes us.  Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly…changes come within the deepest part of what makes us unique from everyone else in the world.  We are set free from our past.  God no longer remembers our sins once we confess them and receive forgiveness in Jesus’ name. 

God may ask us to give up cherished hobbies, ways of life that we hold so dear.  Friendships will change.  God may even ask us to change our careers.  Those changes will make all the difference!  In the face of changes, it would be easy to fear, yet, I believe that we’ll discover such peace and confidence and preparation to go forth and shine for Jesus.  Yes, there is a cost to saying yes to Jesus.  Counting the cost will be a topic of a future post.    

What do you say to God’s free gift?  What is your decision?  Will you say yes and experience life in it’s fullness or will you say no and experience life that is far from what it should be?  The choice is yours.  Where will you be spending eternity? 
                                            
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  (Romans 6:23 KJV)

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear God of Grace, thank you for the love and grace that You’ve shown us through sending Jesus to buy us back, taking care of our sins.  Father, we know that You’ve given us what we don’t deserve; we are thankful.  Thank you for our freedom; may we use it a way that is pleasing and honoring to You.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim

2 comments:

  1. And, there has never been nor never will be a greater gift than the one our Lord and Savior, Jesus, gave to us!
    As I look back and reflect upon my life's journey, I see God's hand moving in so many marvelous ways. There is a cost, no doubt, for there are still those who do not understand my allegiance to God, but there is no looking back. I must move forward for His sake.
    Beautiful post, Kim! I'm tweeting and sharing to Facebook. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Martha,

    Thank you for your kind comments and for sharing with others!

    ReplyDelete

All comments are moderated. Please use care in posting comments or replies. If you wouldn't say what you are writing in person, rethink your words. Remember words can build up or tear down. Speak the truth in love.

Labels