by Jordy van Gaalen

The Free Gift of the Gospel

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 NIV

Today marks the anniversary of Martin Luther posting his 95 Theses on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This event on October 31, 1517 marked the beginning of what is called the Reformation. 

In reading the New Testament, Martin Luther was convicted over teachings in the church such as the selling of indulgences, the treasury of merit, purgatory, and salvation through good works. Out of this, came what’s known as the Five Solas which are translated as the following: Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone.

It is in Christ alone that we are saved. There is no requirement or step-by-step program or good work that could possibly earn our righteousness. No amount of good deeds or wrongdoings could make God love us more or less. Nothing we do can earn us a spot in heaven, or remove us from a spot we once gained. It is solely about Christ – who He is and what He did. 

The Gospel is free. The Gospel is a gift. 

A true gift is voluntarily given away, not asking for anything in return. A gift is meant to be given in good cheer – out of love and kindness. A pure gift isn’t intended to make the other person feel guilty. 

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:17 ESV

The Gospel frees people from guilt and sin. We now have freedom and peace in Christ. We are free to live our lives without burden, knowing God has given us eternal life. We can live in peace, knowing that God is always with us and does not require any performance from us. We are forgiven. Christ took care of every sin once and for all when He died on the cross.

When we are bogged down with guilt and shame, we can run to Scripture. In Scripture we are reminded of our righteousness by faith alone, because of the love of our Father. Our loving Father gave us the gift of eternal life, of righteousness, of the Gospel. It is the greatest gift we could ever receive.

We are free to rejoice in the knowledge that salvation is through Scripture, faith, grace, and Christ alone. It is all to the glory of God alone.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado