A gift is supposed to be free. But it does cost something to the giver although to the recipient it is free. If there are stipulations to what is given, it is no longer a gift. For example, if someone gives you a new computer, but expects you to facetime with them or they’ll want it back; that’s not a gift. It’s an exchange. You get a new computer if you meet their expectation of how to use it.
Salvation is a Gift; not an Exchange
There are some who communicate the wonderful grace of God as an exchange. They say if you do not put your faith into action, either you never had it, or God will take it away from you. If that is the case, then it isn’t a gift. It’s an exchange. You get to keep everlasting life by being faithful. So now it becomes dependent on you.
But the Bible says it’s a gift. The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 6:23). If He removed it from you because of something bad that you did, then it wouldn’t be a gift. It would be an exchange. You could only get eternal life by continued obedience to God or He would take it away.
The Greatest Gift
Two thousand years ago God brought His plan to fruition. It was THE GREATEST GIFT mankind could ever receive. Jesus Christ was born; the promised Messiah. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman…” (Gal. 4:4). God said that Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17).
Sin separated us from our Creator. We became helpless sinners. He lived a perfect life so He could be the perfect sacrifice in order to make the necessary payment for sin. His resurrection proved that He has the power over sin and death (John 2:22). And though it cost Him greatly, He offers us eternal life as a gift.
A Gift must be Accepted
The only requirement to receive the benefit of a gift is to accept it. In the case of salvation, you can reject it or you can accept it as His gift to you; no strings attached. The gift is simply received by believing the Lord Jesus died for you; in your place, and rose again. “But as many received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). The gift of God is really free.
I invite you to follow me as I continue to explore God’s amazing grace and assurance of heaven for anyone who has believed the gospel.
Assurance of Heaven 