YOU CAN’T GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING!
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked,
his faith is credited as righteousness.
Romans 4:4-5
Ok, I confess -- I love a bargain. When I see "By One Get One Free" I have to check it out. But, I really do realize that you can't get something for nothing. Even the envelope that you get in the mail that says... RUTH PORTZLINE, YOU HAVE JUST WON ONE MILLION DOLLARS!!! doesn't really mean it. When you read the note inside of the envelope you see in little tiny letters – if your number is called. We all know…you can’t get something for nothing.
And, when you are making a reservation for a hotel you see "one night in a our hotel is yours…absolutely free. But…the free night must follow ten consecutive nights in that same room in that same hotel. And you think – you can’t get something for nothing!
And, how about this, recently my phone rang – at midnight! Well, we all know that when a phone rings in the middle of the night it has to be bad news. So, I picked it up and saw “Scam likely”. I put the phone down and went back to bed…only to hear the notification on my phone telling me that I have a message. It seems that when I failed to answer the call, the caller thought it would be a good idea to send me a message. And the message??…I have won a million dollars plus a new car and $7500 weekly for life!!! All I had to do was call the number listed in the message. Obviously, I didn’t call the number because I know – you got it – you can’t get something for nothing.
But, when I pick up my Bible and turn to Ephesians 2:8-9 and there I read these words: 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.
The wonderful thing about the Christian life is that it’s free to everyone. No matter who you are, where you’re from, what your experience has been, Jesus Christ invites you to feely come. No conditions. No restrictions. No small print. No waiting. We can all be sure of this!!
It is wonderful to know that God loves us unconditionally; to know that Christ died on the cross for our sins; to know if we love him he will come into our lives, forgive our sins, and begin a personal relationship with us. There is no waiting, no strings attached. Once we place our faith in him, we can be sure that we have the promise of eternal life. In fact, our God is preparing a place for us for every consecutive night for all eternity. All we have to do is accept his invitation.
SALVATION IS A GIFT – HE GIVES. WE RECEIVE.
Gracious Heavenly Father, Thank you for inviting us into relationship with you. Thank you for dying on the cross for our sins. Thank you for forgiving us and giving us eternal life. Amen.
Pastor Ruth
