The Free Gift
The gift of salvation is the greatest Christmas gift.
Christmas time always makes me think about gifts. What will I give my loved ones that is just perfect for them? It can be a stressful time for many people. The pressure to get the right thing is real and exhausting for many. But can we admit that there is nothing we can give anyone more perfect than what God gave us through the gift of Jesus? I have read Romans before; however, I’ve recently taken a deeper dive into this book, and it clicked for me like never before.
Romans 3:24 says, “But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free.” Don’t skim over this! Paul is telling us that the gift of God’s grace is free! Not only is it a free gift, but it makes us right with Him, and it sets us free! I don’t know about you, but I love a free gift! This all sounds great, but if you’re like me, you may have struggled to actually live like you believe this on a daily basis. We act like we have to earn this free gift and are constantly trying to fill in the gaps with performance and perfection. Or maybe you are having a hard time accepting this free gift is for you because you feel unworthy.
Let me tell you - there is nothing you can do to earn this free gift, and nothing you have done can prevent you from receiving it. Paul continues to explain this gift in Romans 5. He tells us that we have peace with God because of what Jesus did on the cross for us. In verse 2, he says, “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Not only is he telling us that this was through Jesus, but he is telling us this is not temporary access. This is permanent access. That means there is nothing we can do or say that will ever remove that access. How freeing is that?
We often sing a song here at Bethlehem Church that drives this point home called “The Blood,” these lyrics are so powerful. It says, “It's never been about performance, perfection, or striving for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. It's never been about deserving or earning. It's a gift that's freely given. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. Does anybody want to be holy, righteous, purified, and spotless? Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. Does anybody want to be worthy, forgiven, justified, really living? Let me tell you, it's only by the blood.” I hope these words resonate with you when we sing this song again.
