LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: If Jesus died to pay for all our sins (as the Bible says), then why do we still have to confess them and commit our lives to Him to be saved? Isn’t salvation supposed to be a free gift from God?
- J.H.
DEAR J.H.: It’s true that God offers salvation to us as a free gift because Jesus Christ has already paid the price for it by giving His life for us. The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
But like any other gift, God’s gift of salvation must be received. Suppose a friend wanted to give you a gift. What would he do? First, he’d go out and purchase the gift, selecting it and then paying the price for it. Then he’d offer it to you - free and fully paid for. But what must you do? The answer is simple: You must receive it to make it yours. Until you did, the gift wouldn’t be yours.
The same is true of God’s salvation. On the cross, Jesus Christ - who was without sin - took upon Himself your sins and mine, and He endured the divine judgment that we deserved. He paid the price for our salvation, and now He offers it to us as a gift. To make it our own, it’s as simple as opening our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ.
He wants to receive you and welcome you into His family forever. Commit your life to Him today.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at billygraham.org
ActiveStyle, Pages 24 on 07/23/2012