Something To Celebrate

Jesus’] book of life” (Revelation 21:27). Just as physical life is a gift from God, spiritual life is a gift, too.A gift isn’t earned; it is freely given. We cannot earn new life or a spiritual birth by good works or religious rituals. It is a gift freely offered to us by Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” On our physical birthday, all the decisions were made by others without consulting us. But none of us will have a second birthday—a spiritual birthday—without choosing it for ourselves. How can we make this decision?How can we reach out to God and ask Him for this precious gift of new life, eternal life? Jesus continued His conversation with the man who’d been puzzled about the new birth, the way to enter God’s family, and the way to new and everlasting life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17). God’s gift of eternal life, the new birth that happens in the heart and takes us into God’s family —is received by faith in Jesus Christ. Recognize your need of forgiveness and new life, give up self-effort, and place your faith in Him to forgive your sins and give you the gift of a second birth. The Bible tells us that Christ, the Son of God, “died for our sins … was buried … and … rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Now He is in Heaven, ready and willing to give the gift of salvation and new life to anyone who will call on Him. In Romans we read, “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). If you choose to accept His gift, you will have a second birthday—TODAY!And that is something to celebrate! “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:7).