I want to tell you a story about a young man who loved to golf. His game was improving, and he wanted to venture out on the course on his own.
His father told him to stop by the pro shop and get anything he wanted. He should rent a cart, and it was up to him if he played 9 or 18 holes. He was filled with excitement!
Off he went on his day of independent adventure.
He was really having one of his best days; par on most every hole but even a birdie. Great!
As he was walking up to the final tee reality hit him. He had to settle up at the pro shop for his purchases, he had greens fees to pay. The reality of the cost robbed the joy and excitement he had felt up to this point. He made it through that final hole, all-the-while thinking about the settlement that was coming due.
He headed to the club house and would face whatever ridicule, and judgement came with not being able to pay for the charges. When he was presented with the tab, he saw written on the slip “PAID”. And then he saw his dad standing across the room and he knew why it had been paid in full.
Of course, you know this is a fictional story, but it is a parallel to our life as followers of Christ.
“But as for me, I know that the One Who bought me and made me free from sin lives, and that He will stand upon the earth in the end.” Job 19:25 NLV
“He paid for our sins with His own blood. He did not pay for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:2 NLV
“God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him.” I Corinthians 6:20 NLV
We can’t earn our salvation. Our relationship with the Lord is a gift He offers us freely. However, we should always be grateful because it was His sacrifice that paid for the gift!