Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

According to all the religions of the world, biblical Christianity is the only one that claims you are not able to save yourself by being good enough to inherit Heaven. In fact, it teaches that salvation is a gift from God. This gift was given to us by God’s grace through faith in Christ.  By simple definition, a gift is something that is given voluntarily without payment in return.

The reason why salvation has to be a gift from God is because even in man’s best attempt to be righteous, his good works are still like filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6). The Bible says that we have ALL sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Since we have all sinned against God, the only way to inherit eternal life is to be “justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

So how is being justified a gift? Although wonderfully profound, the simplicity is that although I have sinned, Christ paid the penalty for my sins so that God can look upon me “just if I’d” never sinned.  The gift therefore is complete and permanent forgiveness.

As you celebrate Christmas, remember that there is no gift that comes even remotely close to the priceless gift we have in Jesus!  May you have a very blessed CHRISTmas!

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.