John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The most well known verse in the Bible speaks of a loving God that gave mankind the perfect gift. It was exactly what was needed, it could not be more suitable, and would forever be the best gift possible. As we enter this time of year we call Christmas, we need to be reminded of this gift from God rather than of all the trappings of a holiday that tends to distract us.
Let us consider this morning two actions that are necessary in the giving of a gift. It first must be purchased to be given and then it must be received to be beneficial and enjoyed. The gift of Jesus Christ (and why he came into the world) was purchased on the cross of Calvary. He paid the price of redemption through his suffering for sin and the shedding of his blood as the only acceptable redeeming payment. As a result of this, he offers to the world this marvelous gift of salvation. He did the first part but what about the second part: the receiving. You must receive the gift to ever experience all that this wonderful gift offers.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
To receive is to take full possession of. (I’ll use a Christmas holiday reference here to illustrate the point.) It is not enough that a gift was purchased, wrapped up, given and put under a tree. It is not yet yours as it sits under the tree. In that place, it has not been received. It is available and you can experience the joy of the gift, but not until you take possession by receiving it. You must take possession of the gift of Jesus Christ by repentance and faith, or the gift remains to you a wrapped up package with no relationship. The gift has been given, have you received it? That is the most important question to be answered in anyone’s life. Without receiving the gift, you have no salvation, and you have wasted the opportunity to be a partaker of the greatest gift ever given. It is the perfect gift. If you have not, please receive it today.
In Christ’s Service,
Bro. Adrian Moore
2 Cor. 4:5
Commentaires