GIFT OF GOD
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Our Father has given an amazing gift to us, and anyone who would believe. That gift is Eternal Life! So many are taught that you have to work to receive this gift, or you have to be good enough for God to give it to you, but in these verses we see that it is a gift of God.
I think to myself, “How good do I have to be to be accepted by a holy, righteous God? How many good deeds do I have to do?” I have found out that I cannot ever do enough! What I need to do is trust God, and believe His Word that it is a gift from Him, and it is not of works.
Now, if someone gives me a gift and then puts a bunch of requirements on that gift, it is not really a gift. Why does religion put so many requirements on us for salvation? According to this verse, and so many others throughout the New Testament, salvation is a gift!
I believe religion is one of the biggest turnoffs to so many people, because it says, “God loves you,” and then in the next statement it says, “God put this disease on you to teach you something.” To me, this is speaking with two tongues, or being double-minded.
We are not Old Testament believers. We are not slaves of God any more. We are friends, and children, of God because of all that Jesus has done! Do not live in such a way that you never get to know your loving Father. Make a decision to believe this verse, and so many others, that God loves you, and that you have been forgiven, not because of who you are, but because of all that He has done for you!
Remember one thing today: GOD LOVES YOU! That is settled for all eternity. Once you know this, you can enjoy a guilt-free, exciting life, in Him!