THE GIFT OF SALVATION
February 10, 2025
TEXT: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8)
As we reflect on the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the greatest gift ever given to humanity – the gift of salvation. This gift is not something that can be earned or deserved, but rather it is a free gift that comes from God’s loving kindness and mercy.
Salvation is a free gift of God to man. Although it is free, it is not cheap; it cost God something! He paid for man’s salvation with the life of His only dear Son. For “the Lord (God Almighty) hath laid on him (Jesus Christ) the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
The suffering of Christ is vividly described in Isaiah 53:3-5, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Free but costly forgiveness was brought down to all men by Jesus Christ. “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).
The book of Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift that comes from God and is not something that can be earned or purchased. If it were to be bought with money, you and I would never have been able to afford salvation. Why linger now that it is free?
“There’s room at the cross for you;
There’s room at the cross for you;
Though millions have come, there’s still room for one;
Yes, there’s room at the cross for you.”
SEARCHLIGHT: If we could merit our own salvation, Christ would never have died to provide it.
PRAYER: Father, help me to always place the highest value on the gift of salvation, redeem my soul, and keep me saved. Empower me to share the Gospel with souls around me.
BIBLE READING: Joshua 21-23, Romans 7.
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
