Scripture: “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:7
Observation: Paul wrote this book to Titus, one of his disciples. In it, he is explaining how the practice of our faith is a reflection of what we truly believe.
Application: Christmastime is sometimes referred to as “the season of giving”. Many people exchange gifts as a token of their affection for one another. People also tend to give more to charities during this time of year as well. When we think about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, our thoughts often go to the wise men who came to the young child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They gave the best they could give as an act of worship. However, the best example we have of gift-giving is God Himself. From the depths of His heart to a lost and dying world, He gave the most precious gift of all… His beloved Son, Jesus. But like any gift, it only becomes yours when you accept it.
When there is a personal relationship between an individual and Jesus, there are so many gifts that come from the Lord. Here are just a few of the gifts that the heavenly Father gives to those who accept His Son as their Lord and Saviour.
1. Forgiveness – All of our sins, past, present, and future, are forgiven & forgotten!
- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
2. Holy Spirit – The Spirit of God dwells within every believer 24/7 and will be with us forever!
- “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:38
3. Peace – In a world of chaos, God’s peace is within every believer.
- “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” – Romans 5:1
4. Adoption – Becoming a part of God’s family and a joint-heir with Jesus happens when a person accepts Christ as Lord and Saviour.
- “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” – Romans 8:15-16
5. Eternal Life – Everlasting life in heaven is promised and begins immediately upon salvation!
- “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
Jesus is the Father’s Christmas gift that keeps on giving! That is certainly a reason to rejoice!
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Christmas gift so many years ago! Thank You for all You’ve given me! I am so grateful and humbled that You would choose to come into my life and save me. Thank You that I am a joint-heir with You, and one day, I will see You face to face, when my faith becomes sight! I believe in my heart that it will not be long until You come and call Your children home! Thank You for Your peace that reigns in my heart and the hope I have in my soul! In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls o’er my soul like an infinite calm.
Peace, peace! wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love.
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away while the years of eternity roll.
Peace, peace! wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love.
(from “Wonderful Peace” by W.D. Cornell)
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“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” – Titus 3:5-6