”And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” | Luke 2: 15

As we give our gifts to one another over the next few days, remember that God’s gift of eternal life is like our gift giving in at least three ways.

First, when we give a gift we give it to whomsoever we will.

Likewise, God gives eternal life to whomsoever he will.

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (John 17: 1-2)

“Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I know not.” John 17: 9)

“For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.” John 17: 24)

Suppose you gave a gift to someone you love and strangers began to accuse you of being unjust because you did not give them the same gift. You would think they were absurd. They have no right to question you or accuse you. Neither does any sinner have a right to question God.

“What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (Romans 9: 14-21)

Secondly, when we give a gift we purchase it ourselves.

Likewise, God sent his Son who paid the purchase price of his precious blood to give his people eternal life in him.

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17: 11)

“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9: 22)

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20: 28)

“Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.” (Job 33: 24)

Lastly, when we give a gift we give it to the one for whom we purchased it. Likewise, God irresistibly creates his people anew and gives the gift of eternal life to us through faith in Christ.

We do not purchase a gift then set it on a shelf and hope someone will come claim it as their own. We take the gift to the one for whom we bought it and make sure they get it. So does God. But here is a difference. When we give a gift the person to whom we give it has the ability to receive our gift. But each sinner to whom God shall give this free gift of eternal life does not even have the ability to receive it until God even gives faith and repentance to receive this gift in his Son.

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3: 5)

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” (John 6: 53)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2: 8)

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4: 4-6)

Believers glory in the LORD, giving all the praise only to God, telling everyone we can about the great gift Giver and the gift of his Son.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9: 8-15)

“Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.” (1 Chronicles 16: 8)

-Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “The Triumph Of Lowliness”

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Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 22 December, 2019 | Previous post date: n/a