Slavation is a Gift

How many of you have ever received a gift that was so precious, so unexpected, that you felt you could never repay it? Now, what if I told you that each one of us has already received such a gift, one of immeasurable value, from God Himself?

As young believers, understanding this truth is crucial: salvation is a gift from God that we cannot earn; it is given freely out of His boundless love.

Understanding Salvation as a Gift

In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul writes, “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.” This scripture highlights the essence of salvation. It's not a reward for our deeds, but a gift. When we try to work for this gift, we misunderstand its nature. It's like trying to pay for a present someone gives you out of love; doing so would nullify the very essence of a gift.

Talk about example

A good example to illustrate the concept of salvation as a gift in can be found in the story of the Prodigal Son, as told in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, verses 11-32.

In this parable, a younger son asks his father for his share of the inheritance, which he then squanders in reckless living. When he hits rock bottom, he decides to return to his father, expecting to be treated no better than a hired servant. However, upon his return, his father welcomes him with open arms, celebrating his return with a feast, and restoring him to his position as a son.

Here are the key elements that align with the concept of salvation as a gift:

1. **Undeserved Forgiveness**: The son did not deserve forgiveness after squandering his inheritance and living a wayward life. Yet, his father forgave him unconditionally. This mirrors the Christian belief that God's forgiveness is not based on our worthiness but is given freely out of love.

2. **Restoration by Grace**: The father restores the son to his position in the family, not because of any good the son did, but purely out of love. This is akin to how Christians see salvation – not as something earned, but as a gift given by God's grace.

3. **No Preconditions for Love**: The father did not set any conditions for accepting the son back. He welcomed him as soon as he returned. Similarly, in Christian belief, God's love and salvation are available to all who turn to Him, without prerequisites.

4. **Celebration of Return**: The celebration of the son's return symbolizes the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. It emphasizes that the focus is not on past sins but on the act of returning to God.

5. **The Response of the Other Son**: The older son, who stayed with the father and dutifully followed his commands, is resentful of the celebration for his brother. This represents the attitude of earning salvation through works and not understanding the nature of grace.

Our Inherent Worth to God

Many of you may struggle with feelings of unworthiness or doubt. But remember, you are worth everything to God. This is evident in the greatest act of love described in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God’s willingness to sacrifice His Son for us is a testament to our worth in His eyes. You are so cherished that He chose to give up what was most precious to Him, just for you.

The Danger of Earning Salvation

When we try to earn our salvation, we fall into a dangerous trap. It leads to pride, self-righteousness, and a false sense of security. We might start believing that our salvation depends on our actions, rather than God's grace. This not only undermines the sacrifice of Jesus but also burdens us with an impossible task. As Romans 11:6 says, “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”

Understanding Grace vs. Performance: success often feels like it's all about performance – getting good grades, excelling in sports, being popular. These achievements are based on what you do, how well you perform. But God’s grace is entirely different. It's not about how well you perform or how good you are. Grace is God’s unconditional love and favor, given freely, not because of anything we've done, but because of who He is. It's like receiving the most amazing gift without having to earn it or prove you're worthy of it. This grace is the foundation of our faith, teaching us that while personal effort and good deeds are valuable, they are not the currency we use to earn God’s love. God's love and salvation are gifts, offered freely to all, irrespective of our performance.

Basis of Value:

Grace: Our value comes from being loved and created by God. Performance: Value is often measured by achievements and successes.

Source of Approval:

Grace: Approval and acceptance are unconditional from God. Performance: Approval is conditional, based on meeting certain standards or expectations.

Motivation:

Grace: Motivated by gratitude for what has already been given. Performance: Motivated by the desire to achieve and earn rewards.

Response to Failure:

Grace: Failure is met with forgiveness and an opportunity for growth. Performance: Failure often leads to judgment or a sense of worthlessness.

Sustainability:

Grace: Sustainable and enduring, because it’s not reliant on human ability. Performance: Often unsustainable, leading to burnout or disillusionment.

Impact on Self-Image:

Grace: Promotes a stable, positive self-image rooted in being valued by God. Performance: Can lead to an unstable self-image, constantly fluctuating with successes and failures.

Approach to Others:

Grace: Encourages compassion and empathy towards others. Performance: Can lead to competitiveness and comparison with others.

The Pressure of Perfectionism: Discuss the pressures of perfectionism. Many teenagers feel the need to be perfect in various aspects of their lives. Relate this to the idea of trying to earn salvation – it's like striving for spiritual perfection, which is not only impossible but also unnecessary because of God's grace.

The Role of Faith and Relationship: Highlight the importance of faith and a personal relationship with God. Explain that Christianity is not about following a checklist to earn God's favor, but about developing a relationship with God, characterized by trust, love, and acceptance.

Misconceptions about Good Works: Clarify that doing good works is still important, but these are a response to God's love, not a way to earn salvation. Good deeds are a natural outflow of a grateful and transformed heart.

Understanding Jesus' Sacrifice: Talk about the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. Emphasize that if salvation could be earned through our own efforts, then Jesus' sacrifice would not have been necessary. His sacrifice was the ultimate act of grace.

The Dangers of Self-Righteousness: Warn about the dangers of self-righteousness. When people think they can earn salvation, they might start judging others or feel superior, which is contrary to the teachings of Jesus about humility and love.

Real Life Examples: Share stories or parables, like the Prodigal Son, to illustrate the concept of grace. Real-life examples or stories that they can relate to can make the concept more understandable and impactful.

Encouraging Questions and Doubts: Encourage them to ask questions and express their doubts. A healthy spiritual life includes wrestling with difficult concepts and seeking understanding, rather than blindly accepting doctrines.

The Joy and Freedom in Grace: Highlight the joy and freedom that come from understanding salvation as a gift. It removes the burden of trying to measure up to an impossible standard and allows them to live a life of gratitude and joy.

Living in Response to the Gift

While we cannot earn salvation, our actions still matter. They are our response to this incredible gift. As James 2:17 reminds us, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Our good deeds are not a price for salvation, but a demonstration of our love and gratitude towards God. They're the fruit of a genuine relationship with Him.

Encouragement for the Journey

Finally, I want to encourage each of you on your journey. Embrace this gift of salvation with open hearts. Let it transform you from within. When you stumble, remember that God's love and grace are constant. As you grow in faith, let your actions reflect the love and grace you've received.

In conclusion, always remember that salvation is a free gift, not a wage to be earned. You are invaluable to God, and your worth is not determined by your works. Let this truth liberate you and lead you to live a life of gratitude, service, and profound love.