DEVOTION / What does it cost to get into heaven?
Nothing is free!
Someone has said that nothing is free. Everyone knows that if we want something, we must pay for it. Houses aren’t free. We pay a lot of money for the house we live in. Cars aren’t free, neither is the food we put on our tables. Our clothes weren’t free, nor are most of our pleasures free. Even dying isn’t free. Everything must be paid for, because nothing is free!
As Jesus was being taken up into heaven, the apostles were told to wait in Jerusalem for a sign. Finally, that day arrived. Jerusalem was filled with people from all over the world who came to celebrate Pentecost. Suddenly, what seemed like flames of fire appeared on the apostles’ heads, and each of them began speaking in different languages. Soon, crowds began to gather to see what was happening. It was then that Peter told the people about Jesus. He said that Jesus was the Son of God, that he suffered and died on a cross for their sins, and that he rose again from the dead. Many of the people were happy to hear Peter’s message. They asked what they needed to do to know Jesus better. Peter told them that salvation is a free gift that costs them nothing. He said: Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38,39).
God’s gift is free
Today, many people think that they have to pay something to purchase their salvation or that they must do all sorts of good deeds. God’s Word, however, tells us that salvation is God’s free gift to the world. Jesus paid the price of salvation when he died on the cross. He paid the price we couldn’t afford to pay. Jesus paid for our salvation with his precious blood. Now, that salvation is free to everyone who believes that Jesus is their Savior. We call that grace. Ephesians 2:8,9 says: 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. Gifts are always free, and salvation is God’s gift to all. Rejoice in the knowledge that the one thing we need most in life is absolutely FREE!
By Reynold R. Kremer