A Gift is Either Received or Rejected - Episode 7

Last time we talked about how Sin has been dealt with for all mankind so God is not judging us or punishing us for our sinful behavior now, contrary to what many Christians believe and teach.

John said Jesus…

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. – 1 John 2:2

We ended with a question. Does that mean that everyone will end up in Heaven when they die no matter what?

Some people are teaching that today. But the Bible is very clear that most folks will miss it and end up in Hell.

Jesus himself said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

It doesn’t get any plainer than that. Many will find destruction, and few will find life.

Why is that?

The Bible also teaches that this eternal life is a gift from God. It cannot be earned. Paul lays that out very plainly in Romans chapters 5 and 6.

Here’s the thing about a gift. A gift has to be given by someone… and also it also has to be received by someone. God has already given the gift. That part’s a done deal.

However each of us has the option whether or not we choose to receive that gift. If we choose not to receive the gift then we don’t get to enjoy its benefits.

It’s that simple.

Refuse the gift and nothing changes. You stay separated from God. Your sin will eventually kill you and you’ll get to spend eternity the way you chose – separated from God in Hell.

But accept the gift and everything changes for you.

Let’s look at an analogy.

Let’s say I’m homeless living under a freeway bridge somewhere. And this insanely wealthy guy comes and finds me, says he wants to give me something.

Here’s a question for you. Would you turn down a fully paid-for mansion?

Because in this scenario this crazy rich guy bought a huge multi-million dollar mansion and put it in my name. He tells me he’s covered all the expenses for that mansion forever. I’ll never have to worry about taxes, insurance, maintenance, staffing, groceries, cars, drivers, anything. Forever.

Oh, and he says that I’ll get an unlimited credit card along with it. I just swipe whatever I want to buy and I’ll never even see the bill.

If I decide I want my own space shuttle it’s paid for.

Everything is set up. All I have to do is accept the keys he’s holding out to me and move into my new life.

After he does all that for me, let’s say I tell him, “No thanks. I’d rather keep living under this bridge.”

Can the wealthy man force me to accept his gift? If he tries to force it on me, then it really isn’t a gift, is it?

Sure, it makes no sense that I’d rather live under a bridge than in an all expense paid mansion. But maybe I like the bridge life. Maybe mansions seem evil to me. Maybe I knew someone who lived in a mansion once and he was a real jerk and I think if I move into a mansion I’ll end up being like him.

Regardless, at the end of the day it’s still my choice.

And that is a small picture of what God did for use through Jesus and His sacrifice. Refusing that gift, that’s what separates us from God.

All the rest of our sin? It’s not a factor anymore.

Unfortunately most people don’t understand this basic truth and are trying to earn their way to God’s good side by somehow making up for all the mistakes and sin they’ve done. But that’s like trying to pay for something that’s already been bought by someone else. It doesn’t work.

It’s like Jesus said. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide open for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Used with permission from Chris Cree.