The Undeserved Gift
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
Luke 3:7–9
In the middle of a fiery denunciation of sin and a ringing call to repentance, John the Baptist said something wonderful and amazing that reveals so much about the love and nature of our Heavenly Father. There were many among the Jewish people who did not believe and truly worship and obey the God of their fathers, but who still thought they were fine because of their heritage. Yet, as John pointed out, no one is a Christian because of the faith of their parents or grandparents. It is only through individual and personal faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that we become part of God’s family.
The wonderful mercy and grace of God extends the offer of salvation freely to all who believe. Salvation is not limited to those with the right pedigree and family heritage—it is freely available to all. Salvation is not given to those who are good, but to those who acknowledge their sinfulness and need of a Saviour. Salvation is a demonstration of God’s love because it is given to those who do not deserve it in any way. “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8).
Luke 3:7–9
In the middle of a fiery denunciation of sin and a ringing call to repentance, John the Baptist said something wonderful and amazing that reveals so much about the love and nature of our Heavenly Father. There were many among the Jewish people who did not believe and truly worship and obey the God of their fathers, but who still thought they were fine because of their heritage. Yet, as John pointed out, no one is a Christian because of the faith of their parents or grandparents. It is only through individual and personal faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that we become part of God’s family.
The wonderful mercy and grace of God extends the offer of salvation freely to all who believe. Salvation is not limited to those with the right pedigree and family heritage—it is freely available to all. Salvation is not given to those who are good, but to those who acknowledge their sinfulness and need of a Saviour. Salvation is a demonstration of God’s love because it is given to those who do not deserve it in any way. “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8).
Today’s Growth Principle:
Rejoice today in the completely undeserved free gift of salvation that God has provided through Jesus Christ.
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