Introduction: What kind of gifts are you going to give this CHRISTmas? What will you receive? Technically speaking, a CHRISTmas gift is given to someone without a price tag on it. In other words, they get it free, without earning or paying for the gift. The same is true with JESUS CHRIST. We do not earn Him. Instead, we just simply receive Him as a free gift. Below is an explanation about this Gift.
1. This Gift of JESUS is given because of God’s GRACE!
“For by grace are ye saved…” (Eph 2:8)
God’s
Righteousness
At
Christ’s
Expense
Simply put. GRACE is God doing for us what we do not deserve. Instead of Justice & Judgment, the Lord extends His forgiveness & mercy as we receive it. Have you experienced His AMAZING Grace? Are you showing GRACE to others?
2. This Gift of JESUS is given and to be received by FAITH in JESUS!
“For by grace are ye saved through faith…” (Eph 2:8,9)
Faith is taking God at His Word. Faith is believing He will do what He says He will do. The biblical definition of Faith is found in Hebrews 11:1.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Also check out Hebrews 11:6.
“6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Are you exercising faith in Jesus? Everyday?
3. This Gift of JESUS is not of ourselves or works!
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves.” (Eph 2:8,9)
Honestly, our generation grew up only receiving things we earned. We worked hard for things. But the problem with this mindset is, it must be discarded when it comes to being saved, or forgiven. Jesus died for our sins to pay a debt we owed, a price too high for us to pay! If we could earn going to heaven, then Jesus died needlessly.
4. This Gift is from God!
“….it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:9)
Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us. Because of His great LOVE, He gave His BEST!
5. This Gift is to be received and given!
“10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10)
There is not another Gift you can give this CHRISTmas or anytime that will compare to the Gift of ETERNAL LIFE.
Conclusion: Have you received this Gift? Have you given this Gift? Have you tried to earn or pay for (with good works) this Gift? Will you by GRACE thru FAITH receive this gift of JESUS now?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
