From God, With Love

FROM GOD, WITH LOVE

“…keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude, verse 24.

All of us would agree with James that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17. Just as it would be impossible to count every blessing we have received, it is impossible for us to identify every good gift God has given to us. We can, however, acknowledge these five great gifts and praise Him for each one of them.

THE GIFT OF PHYSICAL LIFE

Many of us take our physical life for granted, not realizing that each day is, in itself, a precious gift from the heavenly Father. Each morning when we awake to another new day, let us begin that day by thanking God for another day of life. Let us say with the psalmist, “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24. The Bible emphatically states that God is the source of all life. Consider these verses of Scripture.

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7.

David said, “For with Thee is the fountain of life.” Psalm 36:9

John said of our Lord Jesus, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4.

THE GIFT OF THE WORD OF GOD

The Doctrinal Statement of Second Baptist Channelview reads: “The Old and New Testament, inerrant as originally given, were divinely inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice.” The following Scriptures confirm the validity of such a strong doctrinal position.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” Ro. 1:16

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

THE GIFT OF HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON

The gift of His Son is the Father’s greatest gift of all. We declare that because in Him abides the source of all good gifts. Paul says it so well, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15.

Together with John 3:16, we will add two other Scriptures that proclaim this same glorious truth.

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” I John 4:10

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

SALVATION

P.P. Bliss, in the words of his hymn “Once for All” captures the truth of the wonderful salvation that God provides for us through the atoning blood of His dear Son.

“Free from the law, O happy condition

Jesus hath bled, and there is remission;

Cursed by the law, and bruised by the fall,

Grace hath redeemed us once for all.

Now are we free---there’s no condemnation,

Jesus provides a perfect salvation;

“Come unto Me,” O hear His sweet call,

Come, and He saves us once for all.

“Children of God,” O glorious calling,

Surely His grace will keep us from falling;

Passing from death to life at His call,

Blessed salvation once for all.

Once for all, O sinner, receive it;

Once for all, O brother, believe it;

Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,

Christ hath redeemed us once for all.”

Saved by His Grace! “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

…And Kept by His Power! “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” I Peter 1:3-5.

THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

What a precious gift is this, just knowing that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in our hearts (I Corinthians 6:19).