Season of Salvation

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17 KJV

Today's extract follows probably one of the greatest love stories ever told. God establishes his eternal purpose for mankind by giving the greatest gift possible- the life of his only Son. This was the only guarantee against eternal damnation, and this death the only guarantee of eternal life. Through this gift, we now have access to the throne of grace, where we can approach God and make a demand for all that the death and life of Christ has guaranteed for us. The life has been given, the price has been paid, death has been dealt with, and eternity is assured. You would think it would be that easy to accept.

However, reality around us shows that man seems not to believe in free gifts and must strive for everything he gets. Man has developed a self-help mechanism, which seems to abhor dependence on anybody or anything. We don't like the fact that we are helpless and could not save ourselves, so we go all out to earn salvation on our own terms. We do all we can by our strength, thinking we can work our way to heaven without any help from God.

Today's extract establishes many truths, two of which we will mention here: firstly, God did not send Jesus because he just wanted to prove a point; he sent him to restore man back to himself. Man had sinned and become unworthy, so Jesus was sent to break the hold of sin and restore that unbroken fellowship. Man gives whatever he gives because he wants to be celebrated and recognized; God gave all he did because he wanted our hearts to be his forever. He didn't come to condemn us because we were sinners, but because our sins had become a barrier to his purpose and plan for us, he had to die to restore hope to man. Secondly, He is the only recognised way to God. The world preaches alternatives and choices; God has always established only One way to Him, and that is through Jesus Christ. The world will preach all sorts of messages this season, take out the Christ in Christmas away, and replace him with partying, activities, church programs and others. However, only the Presence of Christ in a life makes the season worthy of celebration. It does not matter how many options you try; until Christ is the focus, nothing all work right or look right.

Without Christ, the season is incomplete. Without Christ, we will have a jolly good time but a season that is empty of essence. He is the reason for the season, the channel through which the Life of God has been made manifest and the only way approved by God for man to be acceptable to Him. Are you considering other options? God says there is no other Way. Christ is the only way. His time of favour is here.