Receiving the Gift
Ponder: Salvation is a gift, but it is conditional.
Scripture: “. . . the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b, NKJV).
Salvation is a gift. It’s free (Romans 6:23). Jesus paid the price: His own precious blood (Acts 20:28). Does it follow that there are no conditions for receiving this gift?
Consider this example from the Old Testament (that’s why it was written, 1 Corinthians 10:11). God told Joshua, “See I have given Jericho into your hand” (Joshua 6:2). Now, God didn’t say, “You are going to earn Jericho by your own strength and military genius.” The city would be a gift from God. However, the rest of the chapter shows that this gift was not unconditional. God laid down some requirements Israel had to obey to receive this gift (6:3-5). In short, they were to march around the city once each day for six days, with the priests carrying ram’s horn trumpets before the ark of the covenant. On the seventh day they were to march around the city seven times, after which the priests were to blow the trumpets and the people were to shout loudly. If they did this, God promised that “the walls of the city will fall down flat” (6:5b).
Take that plan to the Pentagon and see if they’re willing to try it! Militarily, it makes no sense whatever. But that’s just the point! Israel was not earning Jericho by their own strength and military genius. Rather, they were demonstrating faith in God by obeying His conditions for receiving the city as a gift.
Salvation from sin is a gift which also has conditions. God’s word says one must have trusting faith in Jesus (John 8:24); repent of sins (Acts 17:30); confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9); and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Not one of those conditions – not even all of them together – can EARN salvation. They are not works of merit; they are acts of obedient faith.
Israel did not earn victory over Jericho; neither do we earn salvation from sin. In both cases, God’s gift is received by faith and obedience.
Song: Trust and Obey
Prayer: Father in heaven, we confess that we cannot possibly earn salvation. We trust Jesus, and we happily obey the conditions you have put in place for us to receive the free gift of salvation. In His name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)