God's Christmas Gift - Part Iii Series

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

~C. Absolute righteousness

Isa 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

~D. Presence and power of the Holy Spirit

Ephesian 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

~E. A new creature with the nature of God

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

~F. Undisputed member of God’s family

Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

IV. The Gift Of God Is Unobtainable By Our Own Merit.

Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Salvation is not something we achieve, but something we receive! - Anon

~A. Our just rewards would have sent our souls to Hell.

Note: If we had receivedour just reward, we would be in Hell.

Illustration:

The most damnable and pernicious heresy that has ever plagued the mind of man was the idea

that somehow he could make himself good enough to deserve to live with an all-holy God. -

Martin Luther

~B. Salvation must be received by accepting God’s gift by faith.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

~~1. This salvation is revealed to all.

Luke 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

~~2. God will save all that will come to Him by faith.

1Thess. 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

~~3. God cannot save those who reject Him.

Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Illustration: Gypsy Smith

Rodney “Gypsy” Smith trusted Christ in November, 1876. Reaffirmed his decision a few days later

in a Methodist chapel. An old man asked if he had trusted Jesus and nothing else.

The lad replied, “I cannot trust myself, for I am nothing. I cannot trust what I have, for I have

nothing. I cannot trust what I know, for I know nothing.” - Family Journal, May, 1985

~C. Salvation can never be earned by doing good works.

Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The fact is, you cannot earn it. Since we are all sinners, there is nothing that we can do to gain God’s

favor. Even if you did good works continuously from here on out, and sacrificed all your time to help