Free Grace, Cheap Grace, just some of the terms to describe the Gospel message sometimes preached. But is it really free? I guess it would depend on who you ask. If you asked Jesus, our Lord and Savior, he might beg to differ.
The Passion of Christ
Have you read the story of his crucifixion? Have you seen the movie, Passion of the Christ? If you have, then you’ve seen the mental anguish, the brutal torture, the excruciating agony, the torn flesh, the pierced hands and feet, the spear jabbed into his side and the crown of thorns jammed onto his head. Not to mention the humiliation and degradation at the hands of not only the Romans, but his own “chosen” people as well. It may be a gift to you and I, but “Cheap” or “Free”, hardly!
The Grace of God
The gift of Grace that you and I have received, was bought and paid for. Paid for with the very blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The very Son of God, who humbled himself and left heaven to come to earth and take the form of a human child. To experience the entirety of our mortal lives, all of our stresses, hopes, dreams and concerns. Yet, unlike us, to live our earthly existence sin free. He did all of this, fulfilled all the prophecies and endured the agonizing and humiliating death on the cross for what? Just so we could have a free ticket to heaven? I think there’s more to it than that.
God The Creator
God the creator of the universe, the God that spoke everything into existence, could’ve simply spoke us into forgiveness or Grace if that was all it was about. He certainly didn’t need to send “his only-begotten Son” to die such a horrible death just so we could punch a free ticket to heaven and then go back to doing “what’s right in our own eyes“. God has a plan, it’s a plan about and for his Glory. Even Jesus said he was there to glorify the Father. Yes God loves us, and wants us to have eternal life, but he doesn’t need us. He can and will make more.
God The Redeemer
God’s plan of redemption for all of creation, not just us, has a part for each of us to play. If we will accept the “calling” or “invitation” (whatever your theology allows). It’s an awesome honor and privilege to be offered to participate in the plan of God, the creator of the universe. All we need to do is believe and follow Jesus. JOHN 3:16, one of the most quoted verses in the Bible “ For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life”. God so loved the “world” not mankind, and “may” have eternal life.
The Obedience of Faith
JOHN 3:16 to some says all they must do is believe, and their good to go. They need to examine at least one more verse. They don’t have to go far. It’s in the same book, in fact the same chapter of the same book. The last verse of the same chapter of the same book. JOHN 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath. Seems to suggest that there’s more to do than just believe. Perhaps it says that true belief includes obedience?
The Most Expensive Gift
Again, I’m no theologian. I’m not even a very good student. All I can offer is in my study I get the impression that its about God and doing it God’s way. Believing in the Son, Jesus Christ, and following him obediently. Next time you hear about “cheap” or “free” Grace, remind yourself that the gift of Grace is the most expensive gift ever conceived or given. Nothing can compare or will ever equal it. Grace was bought and paid for by the very blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Nothing we can ever do will ever merit such a gift.
Humbly submitted in faith and Love of our Lord Jesus Christ
Rex McMahon
The Sinner in the Mirror
