If you search the web for the phrase “unwanted gift,” you will get over 280,000 hits. Every year millions of people are given unwanted gifts, but there is one gift at the top of the list.
Often when a gift is unwanted, it is a duplicate or the wrong size or a disliked colour or poor quality or just not your type.
These excuses do not apply to the most unwanted gift. It is perfectly suited for every person. It is very costly and will never lose its value, but most people think they don’t want it. That gift is God’s gift of an abundant life now and home in Heaven later.
Now before you say “I’m not into religion,” consider this. If God is offering you an abundant life on earth and an eternal life in Heaven instead of eternal death in hell, shouldn’t you at least consider the offer? You have nothing to lose and much to gain.
What is an abundant life?
An abundant life is a life full of meaning and purpose. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) God wants you to enjoy the fulfilling and abundant life He offers to you. Plus, when this life ends, the abundant life continues in Heaven forever.
Why can’t you find the abundant life some other way?
God created humans to be eternal beings. Your soul will live forever somewhere. God created the first humans to live an abundant life with Him forever, but they sinned and lost that precious gift.
Each of us has also sinned against our Creator. If you have ever lied, cheated, stolen, or lusted in your heart, you have broken God’s commands. The Bible reminds us in James 2:10 that “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Every one of us has sinned. “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) The Bible tells us the punishment for sin is eternal death in hell. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
How can God offer an abundant life and home in heaven as a gift?
God purchased this gift by dying in your place. He paid for your sin on Calvary’s cross. “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Because of your sin, you deserve eternal death, but God offers you the gift of an abundant eternal life instead. He doesn’t want anyone to perish in hell. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
You can have an abundant life now and an eternal life in Heaven. God offers it to you as a gift!
Like any gift, you must receive God’s gift. In your own words talk to God just like you talk to a friend and tell Him that you want to receive His gift. Be sure to include these things in your prayer.
- Admit to God that you are a sinner.
- Tell God that you want Him to change your sinful lifestyle and replace it with a clean abundant life.
- Express to Him that you believe Jesus is God and that He died and rose again to pay for your sins.
- Ask God to forgive your sin and apply His payment to your account.
If you will do this, God will give you His gift of abundant and eternal life.
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