High Cost

Perhaps you have heard it said:  “The best things in life are free!” This is especially true when you consider that the “best” thing in life is a gift…I am speaking of that which God offers to all who will accept it: “eternal life”It is truly a “gift from God”! -And yet, though eternal life is a gift…A high cost was paid to offer the gift And a high cost must be paid to receive it! A high cost for a free gift? How can that be? This “paradox” can sometimes be difficult to comprehend,.However, teachings of Jesus are often found in the form of a “paradox” (the beatitudes – Mt. 5:3-6) Upon closer examination, such “paradoxes” are not really contradictions, but expressions of very important spiritual tow it is that a gift which is free can be so costly; beginning with…]

1. THE FREE GIFT OF SALVATION
   1. MANY HAVE A WRONG CONCEPT ABOUT HOW SALVATION IS OBTAINED…
      1. They think that salvation is earned by the “good works” they do
      2. Consider this statement by a devout Muslim:  “All my life I have obeyed the Koran and worshipped Allah faithfully. If, after death, I find that there is no paradise and there is no houris with which a man may be comforted, as the Koran promises, I shall feel that I have been miserably cheated.”
      3. Many professing Christians have a similar concept of attaining heaven, that their reward is received because of…
         1. Their good life
         2. Their generous giving of their money
         3. Their faithful attendance at church
2. BUT SALVATION IS GOD’S GIFT TO UNDESERVING MEN…Offered while we were still sinners, ungodly, and enemies – (Romans 5:6-8)……GIVE HIM PRAISE!

1. Not because we love God, but because He loved us! – 1 John 4:9-10
   1. 1. And it is offered to all who will receive it! – cf. Re 21:6; 22:17