by Don Emmitte |
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Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your
many sins. You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin,
obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit
at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to
live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We
were born with an evil nature, and we were under God's anger just like
everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much,
that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he
raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you
have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we
are seated with him in the heavenly realms--all because we are one with
Christ Jesus. And so God can always point to us as examples of the
incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he
has done for us through Christ Jesus. God saved you by his special favor
when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from
God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none
of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us
anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us
long ago. (Ephesians 2:1-10 NLV). The
Apostle Paul makes it very clear in our reading this morning that there is
only one means to gain eternal life.
It is only through grace that we may be given a place in heaven.
The following little story illustrates how some people think of their
efforts to win a place with Christ. There
was a certain man who had worked all his life and was ready for a
vacation. He wanted to go to a far away place he had never been before. He
thought to himself, "You are a good person, you've helped the poor
and cared for the needy. You deserve this trip." He went to the
airport and got in line to get on the plane. In his mind, he felt no need
to buy a ticket because of all the great things he had done for people in
his lifetime. He thought he had earned this trip. As the line got closer
and closer to board the plane, he grew more and more anxious to start
enjoying himself on his journey. It came his turn at the ticket counter
and to the amazement of the ticket agent, he told her he didn't have a
ticket, but he deserved a free trip. He went on to explain what a good
person he was, and how he never hurt anyone or caused anyone any sort of
pain, but the ticket collector told him firmly, "You still need a
ticket sir." Becoming concerned, he told her "I have never
stolen from anyone, nor cheated anyone in all my life." The ticket
agent stood firm and insisted he could not board the plane unless he could
produce a ticket. He said, "I have given money to the poor and fed
the needy." Still not being moved by his plea the ticket agent said,
"If you want to get on this plane you have to have a ticket. No
exceptions." The man was shocked. He walked away with his head held
low and thought to himself, "I figured if I was a good person, who
never hurt anyone and took care of other people, surely I would be able to
get a free plane ride." Some people view heaven that way. They think if they are good, never hurt anyone, and take care of others; they will get a free ride into Heaven. Salvation is a free gift through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. No man can buy his way into Heaven, but Jesus came down to Earth in His own free will to give us Eternal Life. Now, that’s GOOD NEWS! |
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