The Christian's Greatest Gift-SALVATION

THE CHRISTIAN'S GREATEST GIFT: SALVATION

In our Sunday School series "ALWAYS REJOICING", we are having a verse by verse study of the book of Philippians. GOD has a "way" of causing, even familiar and often read, Scripture to speak a new message to our hearts. We are in Lesson One - studying the first five verses, but I have been reading the first chapter in my daily devotion time. In chapter 1: 28c-29, HE lifted some word phrases to complete a great message to share with family, friends, and acquaintances... " to you; salvation; of God." "... is given in the behalf of Christ" (This message should be the one to challenge our hearts and be what we share with the lost souls around us). GOD gave the world HIS only begotten SON - JESUS. This gift is freely offered and given to "all mankind", but only the "whosoever" who will accept this gift by faith, receives it. Many would use the past tense form of the verb "is" and say JESUS "was" given... this is true, but "the rest of the story" is GOD gave JESUS to the world (translated mankind)... JESUS gave HIS life for mankind (PAST) that mankind through HIM might have "eternal life" through and with HIM (PRESENT) so when one believes that JESUS came into the world to die for his/her sin (unbelief) , and accepts the "gift of salvation" by faith, HE is given "new life" and is made a "new creature" from within because the presence of GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT comes to dwell in the life of the new believer forever. GOD'S gift "keeps on giving." (FUTURE) Then, we go to live with the GIVER of the GIFT, eternally!!!