Valerie Rae Hanneman
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (KJV)
Steven had a science project that he was working on that involved paper airplanes and how far they flew with paperclips on different parts of the plane. We were out in the street in front of our house flying planes and writing down distances when my neighbor three houses down decided to ride his son’s bike down to talk. This neighbor also just happens to be the ex-husband of a co-worker of mine and he just happens to be someone that I had purchased marijuana for on a couple of occasions. (This was during the time I was in rebellion against Father) I was surprised when he rode up because our relationship was polite - but distant. (Not only was the ex-wife still a friend - but I have made a 180 degree turn-around in my life since those purchases). Much to my surprise - he wanted to talk religion. He asked me how to get to Heaven, and I told him about accepting Jesus as Savior. “And that’s all?” he asked. When I told him that was it he said, “What about baptism?” When I told him that baptism was the outward symbol of an inward change he told me I didn’t know what I was talking about. I gaped at him in surprise because I may not know everything about my faith - but I’ve got the salvation issue down pat. He then told me that baptism was part of salvation and you weren’t fully saved until you were baptized. Then he started quoting scripture to me. I tried to have a calm discussion with him but it was impossible. Every time I tried to say something he would interrupt me with more Bible verses. I quickly realized that he wasn’t really interested in a discussion - he was only interested in beating me over the head with the Bible until I conceded that he was right. When I saw that he was trying to bait me I told him that we would have to agree to disagree on this issue because I really needed to help my son with his science project.
My neighbor’s faith comes with strings attached. There are a lot of beliefs that come with strings attached. The one with the most strings attached is “If I am good enough God will let me into heaven.” That belief is almost completely human driven. God’s only participation is to place the “good” on the scales with the “bad” to see if the good outweighs the bad enough to get the pearl gates to open. Then there is the belief that God saves you from your sins but if you do something bad you could lose your salvation. This is a fifty/fifty belief. God does the initial work of salvation - but then you have to do your share or else you will lose your salvation. Then there is my neighbor’s belief that says that God saves you from your sins but that salvation is not complete until you do something to “seal the deal” You might “seal the deal” through baptism, or through speaking in tongues, or by going on a missionary trip, or by tithing or who know what else - but you have to do your part. This belief is almost completely God driven - but not quite.
The Bible states that salvation is a gift of God. There are no strings attached to it. If a person wants to give you a gift but tells you that there is something that you have to do to earn that gift then it isn’t really a gift - is it? It is your wages - it is what you have earned. My paycheck - small as it is - is not a gift when it is given to me. I have earned every penny of it. Salvation that is not complete until we have done something to earn it is not a gift - it is our wages for doing whatever we had to do to earn it.
The Bible talks about our wages - what we have earned - when it says that the wages of sin is death. That is all that our actions - our sins - have earned for us. But it doesn’t stop there - it continues when it says, “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD.” (Romans 6:23)
God has given us a gift of eternal life and there are no strings attached to it. It is a gift full of grace and mercy - a gift that it is impossible for us to earn. A gift that is freely given to us.
And like any gift we have received for our birthday, Christmas or any other occasion - the only thing that we have to do to receive God’s gift of eternal life is to reach out and accept it. It really is that simple.
How do we accept this gift?
First we must recognize that we are sinners - that we have done things that are wrong. Well - that is certainly not a difficult thing to acknowledge is it? I can only name one Person who was completely free of sin - and it wasn’t me. (Wasn’t you either) In 1 John 1:9 the Word of God says, “If we confess our sins, He (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Next we simply have to confess that He is Lord and ask Him to come into our hearts. Romans 10:9 - 10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved”
The gift of God is really that simple and because God is eternal, His gift is eternal.
Have you accepted God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus - or are you still trying to earn your way by fulfilling some strings that are attached?
If you are not sure about your relationship with God, I urge you to call Fresno First Baptist Church, (559) BAP-TIST and speak to one of the pastors. Or call 1 (888) Need-Him to speak to a representative from the Billy Graham Organization. Or contact me at valerie@fresnofirst.org.
God’s gift is free - don’t lose out on this gift by trying to earn it.
LORD Jesus, I pray for all of those who are reading this devotional. I pray that they will search their hearts to see if they have received Your free gift of eternal life. LORD, if they have received your gift, I rejoice with them and look forward to seeing them when we are all home with You. If they have not then I pray that You call them to You, speak to them and urge them to accept You as Savior and LORD of their lives. Bring Your joy and peace to them.