4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his
great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath
quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Ephesians 2:4-5
How do you
answer when people ask, "What must I do to be saved?"
If you tell
them to find the answer in the Bible, they might page through the Old Testament
and get bogged down in all the rules and regulations-the fine print-in
Deuteronomy and Leviticus. Like most legal writ, it doesn’t make for happy
reading. In fact, some of it is downright demanding and frightening. Left by
itself, this legalistic fine print can only condemn and destroy any hope of
living forever.
Skeptics
also look for the fine print in the New Testament. Jesus often said that He is
the only thing necessary for salvation. Just believe and live forever! And how
does one believe? Why, it’s a free gift of the Holy Spirit! Free! Gift!
Still
people look for loopholes-something like successfully observing at least 7.5 of
the Ten Commandments to earn eternal life. Or maybe paying God 10 percent tax
to avoid the angelic auditors.
There is
indeed fine print involved in answering the question. See the above Bible
verse. Nothing could be finer! Saved by grace-God’s gift of unconditional love.
He saves us
while we are still sinners. Such love is unheard of these days. Such love was
unheard of in Jesus’ day too. But true love it is.
After all, doesn’t the fine print always
spell out the truth?
Janet Irene Thomas
Director, Playwright, Gospel Lyricist, Screenwriter
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts
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