DIFFERENCE
1John 4:9-10
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Did Missy’s assumption (ass-UMPT-shon means guess) about Nila being Muslim—because she wore a head scarf—bother you? (See Lying Eyes devotion). Cassie discovered that Nila is recovering from chemotherapy (ke-mo-THER-a-pee is a medical treatment that causes hair to fallout).
Lying Eyes teaches that using only one sense—what’s seen—can lead people to wrong conclusions. (No one can read minds, or see inside another’s heart). We won’t grow until we stop judging others just by how they look. We’re often wrong, even after forming opinions (o-PIN-yons come from tested judgments) based on all our senses!
Is Missy’s comment, “Is she Muslim?” a big deal? Millions of people around the world are Muslim. There are also millions of Hindus, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Taoists, Zoroastrians—as well as atheists (A-the-ists are people who don’t believe in God). We’re to love others, but we note the difference with people from other faiths.
So, what’s the big deal?
Christianity is unique among all the world’s religions. This is anchored in the fact that God sent His Son to die for humankind. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross bought forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation, for all who believe. Radical Islam challenges believers to send their sons to die for god. BIG difference, wouldn’t you say?
When Christians accept everything that Jesus’ death on the cross achieved, all we have to do is rest in Him. Our eternal salvation is secure. There’s nothing to add. The price of our sin debt has been paid-in-full. Just before Jesus died, He said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30). God is satisfied with what Jesus did. What else could we possibly add?
But people often don’t get it. Many want to do something to earn a gift. If you aren’t satisfied with Jesus’ free gift, then by all means, do something. Knock yourself out.
Take Home Nugget
But whoever accepts this awesome gift, also has assurance: We’re certain that when we die, we’re also going to heaven. Even the worst sinner can be saved—anytime, anywhere. But Heaven’s door is only open for those who are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Do you see the sign, “Enter by Grace?” That means there’s nothing more we can do—or add—to claim our prize in confidence.
Holy Father, thank You for this awesome gift of forgiveness of sin, and eternal life with You! I claim my prize in the Name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
J.D. Griffith
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Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
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