The Gift Of God

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23

    Blessed contrast! All that God’s children receive is from him, and in every respect a gift. All that we receive comes to us through and by the Lord Jesus Christ, and him alone. God has given unto us eternal life and this life is in his Son. He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord. All the works of man are vain and their reward is death. No matter how sincere, no matter now noble, no matter how much praised by others, there will be no work accepted by God, other than that which is perfect in every respect. There will be no flesh glory in his presence. All the good works of man are self-righteous in nature and an abomination to God, if not preformed by faith in Christ and for the glory of God. This is impossible for the creature to do apart from Christ working in us both to will and to do his good pleasure.

    The Gift of God to the sinner is Christ! Without him there can only be condemnation and death. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Mt 7:22-23). All that we need, all that we have, all that we desire for time and eternity, we have been given in Christ. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he has saved us. The Lord Jesus Christ is ours, and all that he is and has is ours by virtue of his electing love and sovereign grace.

    All else is sin and worthy of death by virtue of man’s fallen, self-righteous nature. This is simple and easy to understand, yet cannot be believed and embraced apart from a work of almighty grace in the heart of the sinful creature. The believer rejoices that of him are we in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Cor 1:30).