Good Tidings from Heaven

THE GREATEST GIFT

What could it be? A new car, a new home, an exotic holiday — no, something greater by far, something that no currency on earth could purchase.

Almost two thousand years ago God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus into this world, in sinless human form. He was born of a virgin called Mary, a humble woman who lived in Nazareth. The purpose of His coming was made clear by the angels who announced, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord," Luke 2.11. "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3.17.

The Bible makes it clear that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," Romans 3.23. These sins must be forgiven if we ever hope to be in Heaven, as no sin can enter there according to Revelation 21.27. No one can do anything to merit God’s favour and eradicate his sins — good works, religion, penance or payment cannot avail but thank God, He provided a Saviour — His own Son.

Sin is so serious in the sight of God that His Son must suffer and die before sins can be pardoned. He must not be spared if we are to be spared. Having endured cruel mockings and unjust trials, having been wrongly accused by false witnesses, spat upon, scourged and subjected to the most humiliating treatment, He was led out to Calvary to be crucified, not for any wrongs He had committed, for the Roman Governor had concluded, "I find no fault in Him." John 19.4,6.

For six long, lonely hours He suffered indescribable agonies and in the final three hours, enshrouded in total darkness, God punished His Son for our sins. "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes, we are healed." Isaiah 53.5 Just before He died, He said, "It is finished," John 19.30. Everything has been done, every sin has been atoned for, all the debt has been paid and all the punishment has been borne. Would you doubt His Word?

Christ’s body was laid in Joseph of Arimathea’s new tomb but on the third day God raised His Son from among the dead to display to the whole world that He was completely satisfied with all that Christ had done. Do you believe that it is enough to save you from Hell and take you to Heaven?

By His death the Lord Jesus has provided the greatest gift you could ever receive — eternal life, the forgiveness of all your sins, deliverance from Hell, the assurance of Heaven, real peace and lasting satisfaction. You can become the happy possessor of this gift if you acknowledge your sins and trust Him who died that you personally might be in Heaven with Him eternally.

As with every gift, you can accept or refuse. Have you considered the consequences of refusing this gift — Hell and everlasting punishment? The offer of this gift is strictly limited, the closing date has been set, time is running out for you. The Lord is about to return for all who have trusted Him and then the offer of salvation will be withdrawn.

If you spent a vast sum of money on an expensive and exclusive gift for someone you loved and it was flatly refused, would you not feel deeply hurt and insulted? The greatest gift has cost the Giver an infinite price and yet it is offered to you today without money or price — accept it, it is freely given, do not refuse it and insult the God who "so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3.16.