[God] having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:14)

Credit cards are a great convenience while traveling. Everyone knows, of course, that credit cards offer nothing free. In due time the charged items have to be paid for.

It is different with the total package of the Christian’s salvation: it is really free! The blessings of forgiveness of sins, peace of conscience, a joyful heart, a purpose for living, the assurance of eternal life – all are conveyed to us free of charge and there will be no charges later on! Saint Paul states it clearly: “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” (Ephesians 2:8,9).

This is not to say that grace is cheap, that salvation is something out of God’s bargain basement. Far from it, our redemption from sin cost God’s Son the highest possible price, His holy, sinless life!

A salvation so precious could never be earned or paid for by us. Too much is demanded from one who wants to be his own savior. The debt of sin we owe is entirely beyond our ability to pay. As for good character, good works, our own merits – these cannot be put on spiritual credit cards. And so, our Heavenly Father, in His love, took things in hand, sent His Son to the cross to pay the bill, and now offers the gift of full salvation to us with no strings attached. No wonder Christians sing: “How great Thou art!”

PRAYER: Our Savior and our God, our soul sings to You in praise of the greatness of Your love. We thank You for our salvation, full and free. Amen.

(Taken from “Our Journey with Jesus” (out of print), copyright 1976, International Lutheran Laymen’s League.)

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Kings 17-18    Galatians 4

To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"