July 19, 2021: The Salvation Offered to Us Cost Us Nothing or Must We Give Up Something in Return?

There are two specific "parables" that speak about the "kingdom of heaven" and the great price one paid after finding the treasure. The first is the parable of the "Hidden Treasure".

Matthew 13: 44 (NKJV)

"The Parable of the Hidden Treasure"

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Matthew 13: 45-46 (NKJV)

"The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price"

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

In both parables, both men sold everything they had to purchase the field or pearl of great value. When we think of our salvation, did it cost us anything or does it cost us something? Do we have to give up something of great value as well?

In his book Basic Christianity, John R. W. Stott makes it plain that Jesus did not give the impression that the salvation He offered costs nothing. “Jesus never concealed the fact that his religion included a "demand" as well as an "offer". Indeed, the demand was as total as the offer was free. If He offered men His salvation, he also demanded their submission.”

Christ, then, does not justify us based on our surrender, but He cannot justify us "until we surrender".

So, what must we give up to receive this salvation that God offers to us through His Son, Jesus Christ? Think of it this way...If Jesus gave all of Himself to die on the cross for us to pay for the penalty of our sins, should we not also be willing to give up all or ourselves to Him as well in return? The price of our salvation should be "total and absolute surrender" of ourselves to Him. Not part of us, but all of us.

PERSONAL COMMENT:

It is not until our "full and absolute surrender" to our Lord and God; will we ever find true rest for ourselves. Let us not forgive what Jesus call us to do in Matthew 11: 28: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."