The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Whoever came up with that advertising tagline was clever. Who wouldn’t want to give a gift that would “keep on giving” all year long?

Far better than this tagline, however, is the reality of having a gift that keeps on giving—especially when that gift goes on forever…and ever.

Friday of this past week was my spiritual birthday, and I was able to spend time that morning reading the book of Romans in one sitting. With each chapter, I was amazed anew at the riches of God’s grace, freely given to me—as a gift. It was like reading an ever-growing gift list—not of what I can only wish for, but of what God has already given to me.

In a nutshell, I was reminded that salvation is so much more than a future home in Heaven. It is peace with God through His incredible sacrifice on the cross. It is freedom from the bondage of sin. It is a relationship with God as my Father. It is the opportunity to serve Christ—to make my life count for eternity. It is the power and the liberty to live for God’s eternal purposes.

In the back of my mind, I kept thinking of John 17:3: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” The joy of eternal life is knowing God. It starts now, and it gets better and better throughout all eternity.

I’m thankful that God’s gift of eternal life started the moment I received God’s incredible gift of grace. I’m thankful that this gift keeps on giving. I’m thankful for my salvation—a gift greater than I ever realized when I received it!

Have you taken time lately to take inventory of the riches of your salvation—the gift that keeps on giving? The book of Romans is a great place to start.

Note: If you do not know for sure that you have this gift of salvation, I would encourage you to read the minibook Done: What Most Religions Don’t Tell You about the Bible by Cary Schmidt. It is available for free in several formats—as a Kindle or iTunes download, as a pdf, or as an audio book.