Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
We are smothered with advertising for sales--grocery, department, hardware stores, whatever. But we can't have any of the precious goods the merchant offers unless we take the initiative to go to his store and pay the price. We must take the first step; otherwise, all he offers is in vain for us.
Many youth have acquired a similar idea of God's salvation. What Christ accomplished by His sacrifice on His cross makes an "offer" which does us no good unless we take the initiative to come and get it. Many just don't want to get "involved." They back off. Don't take the offer.
I sense no gratitude to the merchant who "offers" me his merchandise; and if I pay his price and take it, I feel I owe him nothing more. We're on equal terms now. Is this like Christ's salvation bargain? He has done nothing for me if I decline His "offer." And if I accept His "offer," I have done my part in the salvation transaction. The best kind of devotion possible for me to feel is lukewarmness.
For hundreds of years this has been the idea most Catholics and Protestants have had. But the books of Romans and Galatians give a different idea: Christ's sacrifice has already impacted every human being, whether or not he or she believes. It is not a mere offer; He has given the gift to "all," yes, say some thoughtful believers, He has placed the gift in your hands.
Ephesians says He has already "blessed" us all, "chosen us in Him," "predestinated us to the adoption as Sons by Jesus Christ to Himself," "made us accepted in the Beloved," in Him we already "have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace [unmerited favor]" (1:3-7). It about takes your breath away--but there it is, it's true. Read it.
According to the Bible, we are all "Esau" who didn't need to do anything to "get" the birthright. It was given, not just "offered" to him--from his birth. According to the Bible, every baby born into the world comes with the giftof the "birthright" to heaven. Our "last" or "second Adam," Christ, has already redeemed him. But too many do like Esau--"despise," "sell" what He gave them. We don't need to do that: "whosoever will" can cherish, treasure, appreciate the Gift--what the Bible means by the word "believe." Tell Him, "Thank You!"
--Robert J. Wieland
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: December 3, 2002.
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