God’s gift to humanity is salvation through Jesus Christ. This gift is freely given by God’s grace and received through faith in Christ. It brings forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, eternal life, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This transformational gift changes lives now and promises eternal blessings in the life to come. Let’s explore the nature of this gift and how it impacts those who receive it.
What is the gift?
The core gift that God offers humanity is salvation from sin through Jesus Christ. As Romans 6:23 explains, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This gift brings:
Forgiveness of Sins
Through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, the gift of salvation includes forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7 states, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” When someone trusts in Christ, their sins are wiped away and pardoned through God’s grace.
Reconciliation with God
Sin had created a divide between humanity and God, but Christ’s sacrifice removed that barrier. Romans 5:10-11 says, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Through Christ, the relationship with God is restored.
Eternal Life
Whereas sin leads to death, God’s gift brings eternal life. John 3:16 explains, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” All who put their faith in Christ receive the promise of living forever with God.
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
At salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the believer. 1 Corinthians 6:19 states, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” The Spirit guides, convicts, comforts, and empowers believers to live Godly lives.
So in summary, the core gift that comes from God is salvation through Christ. This transformative gift reconciles individuals to God, providing forgiveness, eternal life, and the Holy Spirit. It meets humanity’s deepest need – redemption from sin.
How is this gift received?
Though freely offered to all, God’s gift of salvation must be received by faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Salvation cannot be earned; it must be accepted through trusting in Christ.
When someone repents of their sin and believes the Gospel message that Jesus died for their sins and rose again, they receive God’s gift by faith. Romans 10:9 explains, “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This step of faith allows Christ’s work to apply to the individual.
This gift is available to all, regardless of background or merit. Galatians 3:28 states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The only requirement is recognizing one’s need for salvation and trusting in Jesus to provide it.
So while God freely gives this gift of redemption, individuals must open their hearts and lives to it through repentant faith in the Gospel. It is received by God’s grace, not human effort.
What changes when someone receives this gift?
When received through faith, God’s gift of salvation profoundly changes a person, with ramifications for eternity. Here are some key transformations that begin at salvation:
Born Again
Jesus said in John 3:3, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The Holy Spirit indwells the believer, initiating a spiritual rebirth. Old things pass away, and the recipient becomes a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Child of God
Those who receive Christ become adopted children of God. John 1:12 shares, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Followers of Jesus gain God as their Father and join His family.
Union with Christ
Salvation unites the believer with Jesus Christ. His death becomes their death, and His resurrection becomes their resurrection (Romans 6:3-5). This union with Christ is the basis for receiving God’s gift of new life.
Helper in the Holy Spirit
The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers believers to live Godly lives. As Romans 8:13 shares, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” With the Spirit’s help, recipients of salvation gain power to overcome sin.
Part of the Church
At salvation, believers are incorporated into Christ’s body, the Church. They become members of God’s family and gain new spiritual brothers and sisters. This community provides encouragement and accountability.
These represent just some of the key transformations that begin when someone receives God’s gift of salvation by faith. It changes their identity, belonging, and empowerment.
What are the ongoing effects of this gift?
While securing eternal blessings in the life to come, God’s gift also brings transformation in how recipients live today. Here are some ongoing effects of salvation:
Purpose and Meaning
Rather than chasing worldly paths to purpose, believers find true meaning in serving God. Colossians 1:10 says, “So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Eternal significance is found in pursuing God’s priorities.
Freedom from Sin
Whereas unbelievers are enslaved to sin, Christ frees believers from sin’s power over them. Romans 6:18 explains, “And having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” Recipients now have power through the Spirit to resist temptation.
Desire to Obey
Salvation implants a desire in believers to obey and please God. Ezekiel 36:26-27 states, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” Whereas unbelievers rebel against God’s commands, recipients of salvation want to follow them.
Love for Others
Christ’s love compels believers to love others. 1 John 4:11 states, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Becoming receivers of God’s unconditional love motivates followers of Christ to share that love through acts of service.
Testimony to the World
Recipients become walking testimonies of God’s gift of salvation. Their changed lives point others to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 urges, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Believers’ transformation gives credibility to the Gospel.
So God’s gift brings lasting change that reorients all of life around loving and serving God. Recipients become His ambassadors, sharing Christ’s love through their words and actions.
What blessings does this gift promise for eternity?
In addition to transforming life on earth, God’s gift of salvation through Jesus secures the believer’s eternal future in glory. Some of the promised eternal blessings include:
Heaven
Rather than an eternity separated from God in hell, recipients of salvation gain the promise of eternal life with God in heaven. John 14:2-3 says, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Believers will dwell forever in God’s presence.
No More Pain or Suffering
Life’s difficulties and sorrows will cease for believers in heaven. Revelation 21:4 declares, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” God’s children will experience perfect comfort.
Rewards
Believers will receive eternal rewards based on faithful service to Christ in this life. 2 Timothy 4:8 states, “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” God will recognize and honor His children’s work for Him.
Perfect Joy
Heaven brings unhindered joy in God’s presence. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Eternal delights will far exceed anything experienced on earth.
Restored Creation
Believers will inhabit a new, restored creation free from the effects of sin. Isaiah 65:17 shares, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” All of creation will fulfill its intended purpose for God’s glory.
These glimpses into biblical promises give just a sampling of the blessings awaiting those who receive God’s gift of salvation. As Titus 3:7 declares, “So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Those in Christ have an eternity of joy to anticipate.
Conclusion
God’s supreme gift to humanity is the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. This free gift reconciles individuals to God when received by repentant faith, providing forgiveness, eternal life, and the Holy Spirit. Recipients experience radical transformation as they are united with Christ, adopted into God’s family, and indwelt by the Spirit. This gift dramatically alters earthly life, reorienting believers around loving God and others. It also secures eternal blessings such as heaven, rewards, and restoration. God’s gracious gift meets humanity’s deepest needs now and forever.