The Gift of Salvation - April 18, 2025
Scripture:
”But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
—Romans 5:8 NIV
Devotional:
Today, on Good Friday, we pause to remember the depth of Christ’s sacrifice. It was not a death for the deserving. It was not a gift we earned. Jesus died for us while we were still in our sin knowing every mistake we would make, every wrong turn, every moment we would fall short. And yet, He still chose the cross.
This is love that goes beyond understanding. Grace that reaches deeper than our guilt. Mercy that covers more than our failures. But even as we embrace this amazing gift, we must remember: grace is not a license to sin. His sacrifice was not cheap. The blood Jesus shed was holy, pure, and powerful. It demands our reverence, our repentance, and our response.
Now, this doesn’t mean we won’t ever make mistakes or fall short because we will. And that’s exactly what grace is for. That’s why His mercy is new every morning. But salvation isn’t about casually acknowledging Jesus and then living however we want. Salvation is about making a real commitment to God, which includes a heart and mind decision to turn from sin and to live for Him.
It’s a mind thing. A shift in how we see God, how we see ourselves, and how we live daily. Repentance isn’t just about being sorry but it’s about choosing change. It’s about desiring holiness. It’s about honoring the One who gave everything for us.
So today, as we remember the weight of the cross, let’s not treat His death as a ritual or tradition. Let it stir us to repentance. Let it cause us to pause before acting in our flesh. Let it remind us that salvation is free, but it was never without cost.
Reflection/Challenge:
Take a moment to reflect on what Jesus really saved you from. Write a prayer of gratitude. Ask God to help you live a life worthy of the sacrifice. And if you’ve drifted, recommit your heart to Him today. Let this be the moment you turn back, fully.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You for dying in my place, even while knowing every flaw I carry. Forgive me for the times I’ve taken Your grace for granted. Help me to walk in obedience, humility, and purpose. When I fall short, remind me that Your grace still reaches me, but also remind me of my call to grow, to repent, to change. Let Your sacrifice not be wasted on me. Today I choose to live in a way that honors the blood You shed. In Your holy name, Amen.