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By Mike Caton

John 6:39-40, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

Jesus said in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” And Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.” Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. God’s will, his plan, his purpose, his desire is that everyone come to know him and have a relationship with him. God wants everyone to spent not just eternity in his presence, but to live each day on this earth in a relationship with him. And that was why Jesus came to earth.

Jesus simply and plainly states that everyone who looks to him and believes in him shall have eternal life. Is it really that simple? Can it be that simple? Of course. Our salvation is a free gift from God, it is not something we can earn, our sins demand justice, demand punishment. The price we have to pay is eternity in hell. But Jesus paid the price for us, the Godly died for the ungodly. And we simply must accept his gift, his free offer of salvation. We cannot earn salvation, we cannot do enough good to merit salvation, we simply accept it.

However, once we accept that wonderful gift, our lives should, they must change. When we realize the goodness, the graciousness of God, our focus becomes how to honor him. And we will want to live that life, one that shows our gratitude to God, that appreciates his gift, that points others to him as well, to let them know about this great gift.

Father, thank you! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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