I wonder if you realize the fullness of the gift you have been given in the Lord Jesus Christ?
"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." John 3:16. But what does this mean? What else did God give when he gave us his Son? He gave us a Savior. A Savior from what you might ask. What do we need to be saved from? A Savior from our sin. Romans 3:23 - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,". Without Jesus Christ's payment for us on the cross we would all be condemned to death and hell. But he has pardoned us and we are no longer guilty. How can that be? I have done so many bad things! "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1. He also gave us a Lord. Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:28. A Lord is a person with authority, control or power over others; a master, chief or ruler. (Dictionary.com) Jesus Christ is all of these things. And he gladly takes on the responsibility. "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." John 10:28. He gladly "keeps" us forever. Have you surrendered your life to the Lordship of Christ? He has also given us an inheritance.
1 Peter 1:3 & 4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you,.." God, in Christ, has also given us a friend. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." Luke 5:20. God gave us access to the Father when he gave us Jesus. Ephesians 2:18 - "For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.", and Hebrews 4:16 - Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,.." How Awesome is it to know that we have a great God that not only hears, but also answers our prayers. We can converse with him at any moment. In fact we are told to pray to him continually,
1 Thessalonians 5:17. Last, but not least, the gift of Jesus to us, includes the Holy Spirit and all of his power to live the life we have been called to live. Ephesians 4:30 - "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." We are sealed; there is no going back. No going back to our old ways; the ways of sin and separation of God. When God so loved the world and gave us his Son, he gave us much more than we are aware of. With the Son we were given a Savior, a Lord, payment for our sin, an Inheritance, a friend, access to the Father, and the Holy Spirit. WOW!
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT!
2 Corinthians 9:15.
