There is a saying in the world that goes, “There’s no free lunch.” It’s a common adage that underscores the prevailing belief that nothing worthwhile comes without effort, that everything of value must be earned through toil and sweat. In many aspects of life, this rings true. We work hard for our money, we study diligently for our education, and we strive for recognition and even love. Yet, when it comes to the most precious gift of all, the gift of salvation, this saying couldn’t be further from the truth.
In Christianity, we are confronted with a paradoxical truth: the free gift of salvation. It’s a concept that seems almost too good to be true. How can something as monumental as eternal life, as reconciliation with God, be offered freely, without cost or condition? And yet, that is precisely what the Bible teaches us.
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Salvation is not something we can earn through our own efforts or merits. No amount of good deeds, religious rituals, or moral righteousness can buy us a ticket into God’s kingdom. It is, quite simply, a gift freely given by God’s grace.
This truth should be immensely comforting to us. In a world where we are constantly striving to prove our worth, to earn our place, the message of salvation offers respite. We don’t have to work tirelessly to earn God’s favor. We don’t have to meet a certain standard of holiness or righteousness to be accepted into His family. Instead, all we need to do is accept the gift that has already been extended to us.
Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our sin has earned us death, separation from God, but through Christ, we are offered the gift of eternal life. It’s a gift that we could never afford on our own, no matter how hard we tried. And yet, God offers it to us freely, out of His boundless love and mercy.
This truth should fill us with gratitude and humility. We are not saved because of our own goodness or worthiness, but because of God’s incredible love and grace. We are adopted into His family not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us on the cross.
So let us rest in the assurance of our salvation. Let us cast aside the burden of trying to earn God’s love and acceptance. Instead, let us simply accept the free gift that has been offered to us and rejoice in the knowledge that we are beloved children of God, redeemed and saved by His grace. And more importantly, let us also tell others the good news of resting in the goodness of the Lord.
Amen.
Lazarevic Ministries 