Now that the Christmas Season is upon us, many (if not most) have been out shopping for the “perfect gift” for their loved ones. Much time is spent in the selection of a unique gift for each individual – a gift that will hopefully be received in true appreciation (not only for the gift, but for the thoughtful selection by the giver) – and a gift that will not be considered for return or exchange (or “re-gifting”).
After the gift has been selected, purchased, and brought home, the gift must then be wrapped. Here again, much time is spent in selecting the wrapping – for a “perfect gift” requires a “perfect wrap”. Colorful paper, ribbons, and bows are carefully placed upon the gift. And then there comes the time for giving the gift. The selection, wrapping, and giving the “perfect gift” has been a labor of love – although sometimes fraught with anxiety, standing in long lines, being bustled about in crowded stores, often costing more than expected – yet, it was all done for the love of the one that would receive the gift. No amount of effort would have been considered too much to give the “perfect gift”.
Before the foundation of the world, God knew that man would sin, and that he would need a way of salvation. Therefore, God prepared His “perfect gift” of salvation – for one to receive reconciliation [payment] for his sin debt. God’s perfect gift of salvation was selected in His perfect Son Jesus Christ. But the cost of God’s perfect gift was extremely expensive – for it was paid for through the shedding of the blood of His perfect Son Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. And God’s perfect gift to mankind was wrapped in a most “perfect wrap” – the “love” of His perfect Son Jesus Christ. The Scriptures state:
1 John 4:14,
“And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”
Romans 5:17,
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
Romans 6:23,
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Ephesians 2:8,
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:21,
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
2 Corinthians 9:15,
“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
Colossians 1:14,
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
Hebrews 1:3,
“Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”
God’s “perfect gift” of salvation [Jesus Christ] is available to all – but each one of us has the responsibility to “receive” God’s gift through faith.
John 1:12 states,
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
Galatians 3:26 states,
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 1:16 states,
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Yes, you can reject God’s gift – but then you also reject God’s salvation, a home in Heaven, and ultimately God’s love for you. If you have never received God’s “perfect gift” of salvation – why not do so today? God’s Word states:
John 3:16,
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:13,
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Have you received God’s “perfect gift” of salvation?
