Free. What an often misunderstood word. We were handing out homemade goodies, coffee, hot chocolate and water recently during a local Trade Day event. Attached to the free goodies was a piece of paper that advertised our upcoming Harvest Hoe-Down, another free event for the community. You would think the word “free” would have people lined up to receive our offerings. Alas, many people would not even take a free cookie.
People are assailed with advertisements about free stuff only to find out there is a catch. Unfortunately that same concept has permeated into the religious atmosphere. Some religions prey on people who are taught they have to give something in order to receive grace. The Bible says there is nothing you or I can offer to God in order to receive His grace.
John wrote about Jesus to professing believers in 1 John 2:2, “and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins.” Propitiation is a big word with a wonderful message: Jesus, on the cross, took our sins upon Himself and there before God took the wrath and punishment due us for our sins. Jesus took God’s wrath and turned it into favor toward us.
So where does “free” come in? That favor toward us is God’s saving grace and mercy that is freely offered, no strings attached. We can never pay anything on our own that could cover the cost due for our sins. But just because something is free does not mean you already have it. The free goodies we offered to passersby were theirs. All they had to do was reach out and take possession. Those who refused to take possession forfeited their claim on the prize. God offers you everlasting grace that is already yours. You can ignore the prize and walk away or you can accept God’s saving grace. Simply believe Jesus is God’s Son and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and save you for eternity by God’s grace.
The gift of salvation, God’s grace and mercy, is freely yours. Will you accept the gift provided by Jesus?
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