Once again it is the season for the giving of gifts. In the atmosphere of secrecy, love and thoughtfulness combine to plan surprises of delight. The home is aglow with fervent expectancy, as something desired—something needed—is carefully selected, wrapped and hidden away until the day arrives. In it all, however, there is a fresh reminder of God's eternal plan of love to meet the dire need of man's soul, and provide THE BEST GIFT to completely satisfy and delight his heart. This is the gift of unspeakable worth. This is God's gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).
THE GIFT PROMISED
As soon as our first parents sinned, the Lord God came down to them in the garden of Eden to search them out. After bringing them to confession, He gave the first promise of a coming Deliverer in the Person of the Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15). As the years passed, the words concerning the coming Saviour became clearer. In type and picture, He was set forth to Israel as a Lamb without blemish—the Sacrifice to cancel guilt and deliver from Satan's power. Through the prophets, God clearly foretold (1) How He was to come: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14); and (2) Where He was to come: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2). Then, in Luke 2:1-20, we read of these Scriptures being fulfilled on the night when shepherds watched their flocks in the fields, and saw the glory of the Lord in the skies. The angel appeared and exclaimed in their attentive ears:—"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Thus was…THE GIFT GIVEN.
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him" (1 John 4:9). Man's sin brought death. God's grace brought salvation to all who believe in His Son. At Calvary, Jesus "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity" (Titus 2:14). In resurrection, He is now crowned with glory and honor at the Father's right hand. Through the revelation of the Word of God, and by the power of the Spirit of God, He is now offered to all—to YOU—as the best gift. Best, since no other gift is more needed—"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Best, since no gift is more desirable—He is "altogether lovely" (Song of Solomon 5:16). However, that you may have Him for your own need, and possess Him as the joy and delight of your soul, He must be…
THE GIFT ACCEPTED.
A gift offered to you does not become yours until you receive it. So it is with salvation. Faith is the empty hand that reaches out to receive God's gift of life. It is the personal appropriation of His offer. It is believing in your heart that Christ's suffering and death were for your sins; that His resurrection from among the dead was for your justification. It is making THE BEST GIFT yours!
Millions have already received this Gift and been made eternally grateful for the blessing it has brought them. Eternal life as a present possession, the forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and much more are all wrapped up in this invaluable gift of God's beloved Son. Will YOU accept HIM NOW? Take Him by faith as your very own Saviour, and you will find Him to be the best gift you have ever received.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9).
Source: http://www.mwtb.org
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