The title of this article is a fairly common saying that suggests you can’t really have something for nothing. Even to obtain that which is allegedly free can incur hidden charges, perhaps small and inconsequential, but still, it proves the item is not completely free. Recently, I saw a health course that was advertised as free; the word ‘free’ appeared several times in the paragraphs, introducing the contents and benefits of signing up for this essential, must-have information. At the end of the advertisement, however, in very small print, it was revealed that it was free only for the first month and thereafter you were obliged to pay a monthly fee to receive the remainder of the course.
My friend, salvation is absolutely free; you do not have to pay a penny or give God anything in exchange for this priceless possession. Salvation is not for sale; it is a free gift obtained without money or price, to be received instantly by an empty hand of faith. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6.23.
We preach constantly that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. Many despise the grace of God; they want to earn salvation by good deeds or a religious life and condemn the gospel of His grace as being too cheap. The Bible states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” Ephesians 2.8,9. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us …” Titus 3.5. We will never be able to take credit for our salvation or boast of what we did to be in Heaven but acknowledge, “I was a guilty sinner, but Jesus died for me” (from a hymn by an unknown writer). The theme of Heaven’s song is, “Thou art worthy … for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood” Revelation 5.9.
The Lord Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of sinners, paid the full price for our salvation by His death at Calvary. What it cost Him is beyond all reckoning, yet He extends salvation to every undeserving sinner, asking for nothing in return. He does not ask you to perform a well-nigh impossible task or pay an almost unaffordable price for “so great salvation” Hebrews 2.3. There is no small print or almost illegible terms and conditions. When the Saviour cried, “It is finished” John 19.30, it can be translated as ‘It has been paid in full’.
We urge you not to miss this stupendous offer but “take salvation, take it now and happy be” (from a hymn by Albert Midlane). What regrets the soul will have eternally who rejects such blessèd news and refuses such a gift!
- For free as the glorious sunshine,
- Yes, free as the light and the air,
- Is the blessèd redemption of Jesus –
- O what with His love may compare?
- How simple God’s way of salvation!
- Not trying or doing one’s best,
- But just in believing in Jesus
- The weary and sinful find rest!
- (John Vickers)
- Used by permission of Assembly Testimony Publications
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