50% Off
Bargaining hunting…is a pastime for some, even an addiction or religion of sorts for others. Nothing wrong with wanting a ‘good deal’ when you need something. There are those who move from one estate sale to the next. The ‘pro’ finds bargains and then resells for a profit. And then there are people that just can’t resist buying something because of the price, whether they need it or not.
As I was on my morning walk last Friday, I noticed an incredible number of cars in our immediate neighborhood and as I turned the corner one block over from my house, there were lines of people in both directions leading up to this home where an estate sale was taking place. Only four people could go in at a time and there was a policeman guarding the door. Everyone was wearing a mask, but I can assure you social distancing was not being practiced. People of every color and age were standing, waiting for that unique opportunity, hoping to find just what they’ve been looking for. The second day’s sign read—’50% off on all items’. Wow, what a deal!
A free gift
That day, I reflected on the numbers lined up for hours waiting for a special item. My mind turned to Christ and his offer of salvation. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6.23). Do you see this—gift! Gifts are usually free, not 50% off. I don’t think I’ve ever received a gift of any nature where the giver said, ‘Bill, I’ve paid half of this, you owe the remaining half’. And neither did Jesus. The gospel does not say—Jesus paid for half on the cross, but you have to do your part to earn the other half. That’s not a gift.
But too many in this world believe that the cross was not sufficient and that the gift was really not free. They have to still earn the right to be saved through their good works. It’s Christ, plus works! Jesus paid it all. He said, “It is finished”. That means—‘paid in full’! The Spirit, through Paul, clarifies it. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2.8,9).
Jesus paid the price
There is an expression; ‘there’s no such thing as a free lunch’. Right, someone paid for it, or produced and gave it to someone. Same with the gift of salvation. The crucifixion of Jesus was the greatest price ever paid—for ‘the world’. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3.16).
This is not a half-price sale; it is a loving gift to anyone who believes and receives. Have you, has your family? The estate sale crowds were lined up, excited about the possibilities. Men, women, and children should be lined up for miles to get God’s free gift and not just for possibilities, but for eternal assurance. What a bargain!!
