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Wages versus Gifts

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIVUK)

Every worker knows what wages are.  They are the payment for what has been done.  Paul says that sin also has its pay-day.  The only appropriate payment for sin is death, eternal separation from God and perpetual suffering in hell.  Jesus described that scene in dreadfully graphic word-pictures in Luke 16:23-24.  The implication is clear: we reap what we sow, we get what we give (Galatians 6:7-8).  Unless there is gracious divine intervention, we will all be cut off from the glory of God and suffer for eternity.

Some people therefore think that they must outweigh their sins by good deeds so that the moral balance of their life will be positive, and God will accept them.  This is an enslaving lie.  It is not true.  Nobody, not even believers in Jesus, can win any part of their salvation.  Even the very best things we do are described as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and, at best, we are unprofitable servants (Luke 17:10).  No-one can earn their way to heaven because we can never be good enough.  That is why salvation is a gift.  It is not earned, deserved or merited in any way; it is not granted to those who try hard to be good or who do good things to others - because we have all sinned and have already fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Instead, God freely gives eternal life to even the worst sinners who believe that ‘Christ Jesus is Lord' and submit themselves to Him – their sins for His mercy, their bodies for His service and their hearts for His worship.  They are given eternal life as a gift because they received the gift of forgiveness (Acts 2:38) when they repented and believed the gospel (Mark 1:15).  Believers can never earn heaven, but by God’s grace receive the right to be called children of God (John 1:12).

Whatever good we may do is enabled by God and for His glory; but it can never earn us glory.  Instead, Jesus promises to share His glory with those who receive His gift of eternal life (Romans 8:17).  So what is our response?  Surely it must be to thank God for His extraordinary gift (2 Corinthians 9:15) and then to live a transformed life.  That is part of our liberty as Christians.  We are not straining to reach heaven but eager to please the One who has given us free access to God which we could never earn.  So, like everybody who has received a wonderful expensive present - rejoice!  When others see it and ask you why your heart is free, tell them about Jesus!  His wonderful gift is for them to receive as well.

Prayer 
Gracious God. Thank You for welcoming me as Your child and giving me eternal life. I could never have earned it for myself. I am sorry for the times when I have taken Your grace for granted and not valued what You have done for me. Please release my heart to praise You and my body to serve You. May I be fully assured that You accept me because of Jesus, and that Your promised gift of eternal life is secure. Help me to live in Your freedom and explain my joy to those who ask me. May my friends and colleagues also receive Your wonderful gift of salvation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams