Free gift

For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God - Ephesians 2:8

The origins of celebrating birthdays began with the ancient Egyptians but only to worship pharaohs as gods. The Greeks were the first recorded civilization that celebrated birthdays of the everyday common man due to the development of the calendar as we know it today.

It wasn't until the arrival of Jesus that Christianity began to embrace birthday celebrations, which was originally considered a pagan practice.

Birthday celebrations are unique to each culture but one tradition that seems common to all is gift-giving. Honestly, who can say no to a once a year no strings attached receiving of free gifts?

The practice of gift giving is interesting as you have to choose to not only receive the gifts provided but you also must decide if you want to put them to use, ignore them, or possibly opt to return them for something else.

In my humble opinion, the greatest gift ever given is salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. This gift never breaks, gets old, and continues to improve daily for all eternity. What other gift can compare to that?

And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day - John 6:40

The key word is will. God makes it clear he wants us to be a part of his kingdom but it's our choice to receive or reject his gift.

‭‭I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live - Deuteronomy 30:19

Although these words were specifically created for Israel in the Old Testament Jesus has repurposed and updated God's offer to all mankind but it only applies if we willingly of our own free will choose to receive it!

‭‭And also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor it is the gift of God. I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him - ‭‭Ecclesiastes 3:13-14

It's no mistake that you are alive at this very moment reading these words but only you can choose to receive this Gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me - John 14:16

Will you accept it or reject it?