Jesus knew no sin, yet He took our sin at the cross. He took our place, so we could have His place. The Ruler took the place of the subjects, so the subjects could wear a robe of royalty. What kind of King takes the place of His people, enduring the cruelest of treatment, to the point of death on a cross? Our King, Jesus, who loves us unconditionally!
2 Corinthians 5:21
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
The phrase “free gift” seems strange to me. Is there a phrase for “gonna-cost-you gift”? Maybe “free gift” is meant to be the opposite of a gift given with conditions attached. By definition, a gift is given without payment or it is called something else, like an installment or down payment.
God’s gift to us is given freely because the high price was paid by Jesus. There is no further price we can pay; it is “paid in full”.
Romans 6:23 (NCV)
The payment for sin is death. But God gives us the free gift of life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In the book of Titus, Paul encourages us to live fully renewed through the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:4-8
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
God’s kindness, love, and mercy save us. We don’t earn it by our right behaviors. We are adopted as children of God and given a new, clean life in the Holy Spirit and we are guaranteed an inheritance in eternal life. This is the truth which encourages believers and strengthens us to do good for others.
As we are made new and right with God through Jesus, we continue to live by receiving from His word in faith. Salvation ignites the ongoing and practiced cycle of responding to God.
Colossians 2:6-7(NCV)
As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so continue to live in him. 7 Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives built on him. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always be thankful.
Turning to God, praising, and trusting Him keeps us rooted, built up and strong in faith and thankfulness.
As we receive God’s grace for salvation, we also receive grace for God’s ongoing purpose in life and eternity.
We receive God’s guidance and deliverance as we abide in the truth of God’s word and rely on the Holy Spirit within us.
We embrace His trustworthiness as our greatest satisfaction and His grace lifts us above the chaos to a place of perfect peace.