Love is a Gift

Salvation doesn’t come because certain beautiful words are spoken. There is no magical formula for us to memorize and utter to gain the kingdom of God. In fact, there is nothing we can do to deserve it. God explained this to us through the Old Testament Law. He laid out what it meant to be holy in such clear terms that we could never doubt that we could never earn salvation by our merits. Once we understand that we can never be holy enough, perfect enough, good enough, then we can appreciate the fact that we don’t need to be. Because we are not capable of earning this eternal reward, only someone perfect could step in for us as the perfect sacrifice that paid our way into heaven. John 3:16-18 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” The way to salvation is not complicated: believe in the name of Jesus, turn from your sinful ways, and be saved. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Why wait? Why wonder what your future holds? The price we could never pay has been paid in full on the cross. Salvation awaits all who turn from their sin and accept eternal life for the price of belief. God isn’t looking for ways to condemn us but rather offering us a simple and free say to be forgiven and redeemed. Repent, turn to God and be refreshed by His love. (Written by Keegan Harkins.)