[This post is adapted from the devotions I led at the arts camp in June.]
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NIV)
One of the greatest gifts God offers us is the gift of eternal life with Him in heaven. He offers this gift freely because of His amazing love for us. The Bible also tells us that those who choose to reject God’s gift spend eternity separated from Him in a place called Hell. God doesn’t want anyone to be separated from Him—that is why He made a way for us to be with Him forever.
Have you ever received a gift at Easter? Why do we celebrate Easter? We celebrate because Jesus willingly gave His life on the cross and then rose from the dead. He took upon Himself the sins of the whole world—including yours and mine—so that we could be forgiven and restored to God.
Many people know the Easter story with their minds, but knowing the story is only the beginning. God invites each of us to personally receive the gift of salvation. We cannot earn it by being good enough or trying harder. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, offered freely to everyone who trusts in Jesus.
When we say “yes” to Jesus, He gives us much more than a ticket to heaven. He places His Holy Spirit within us to guide, comfort, strengthen, and transform us. He gives each of us spiritual gifts and unique abilities so we can love God, serve others, and help build His Kingdom.
I want each of you to know something that is incredibly important: You are precious in God’s sight. He created you on purpose and for a purpose. You are His workmanship, and He has good things for you to do. You are also a gift to this world, created to reflect His love in ways that no one else can.
Most of all, I hope you will choose to receive God’s gift of salvation so that you can spend eternity with Him. When we accept this gift, we become children of God and are welcomed into a worldwide family of believers from every nation, generation, and background. My prayer is that you will always remember how deeply God loves you, how valuable you are to His Church, and how uniquely He has created you to glorify Him. You are a beloved child of God, created for His plans, His purposes, and His glory.
Lord God,
We believe that Jesus took all our sins upon himself so we could be freed from our sins. We believe that he is the Savior of the world and the savior of our individual lives from the depths of Sheol. We receive this gift of grace you offer us, knowing that your love, peace, joy, and so much more come with it. Thank you for including us in your family of believers. AMEN.