In American culture, the idea of a “free gift” hardly exists. Consider the familiar slogan: “Buy one, get one free.” But if you must buy one in order to get the second, is the second really free? What is the difference between “BOGO” and “50% off”? Essentially, nothing. Yet studies show that “BOGO” generates more sales than “50% off.”
We even have a saying: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” That’s usually true in the way we use the words gift or even free gift—there always seems to be a catch, some string attached. But that is not true of the way the word gift is used in the New Testament.
When it comes to salvation, two Greek words are used—dorea and charisma. Both convey the idea of a free, unearned gift—one given without obligation, payment, or expectation of return.
Paul used both of those words in describing the free gift of salvation:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift (charisma) of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23; NASB).
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift (dorea) of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9; NASB).
Yet some Bible teachers claim that salvation will cost you everything. One well-known teacher even wrote:
“Saving faith is a commitment to leave sin and follow Jesus Christ at all costs. Thus in a sense we pay the ultimate price for salvation.”
But either salvation is a free gift, as the apostle Paul taught—or it costs us something. It cannot be both.
Dr. Harry Ironside warned:
“When anyone comes promising salvation to those ‘who make full surrender’ of all that they have to God, and who ‘pay the price of full salvation’ he is preaching another gospel, for the price was paid on Calvary’s cross and the work that saves is finished. It was Christ Jesus who made the full surrender when He yielded His life on Calvary that saves us, not our surrender in any way to Him.”
At this Thanksgiving season, as we pause to remember all that we are thankful for, let us rejoice most of all in the gift of salvation that is truly free.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (dorea)” (2 Cor 9:15; NASB)!
Blessings,
Bob
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The Sole Basis of Salvation
by Lance Latham
There is something within the heart of a man which constantly presses to make a perverse addition to the sole basis of our salvation, the work of Christ on the cross. Constantly pressed by the sin of pride, the mind of the natural man is ever reluctant to admit its sinful, helpless condition.
Many who understand the gospel refuse to come to Christ because they will not admit that they lack a shred of goodness, righteousness or desirability within themselves that God can accept.
Religious leaders try to add baptism, church membership, faithful living, personal sacrifice or some other human work to the work of Christ to the hope of salvation for the believer. Such philosophies may have filled the coffers of religion but have confused the issue of salvation and thus damaged countless souls.
One who discovers the gospel will instantly realize that the sole basis of his salvation is the work of Christ on Calvary’s cross. Saving faith depends alone on the value of Calvary. All other possible sources for the assurance of salvation are counterfeit.
