Don Not Pay the World’s Price

In recent years several store chains selling designer items for low prices have sprung up. Many slogans have accompanied these stores. These are some you may hear. “Never Pay Department Store Prices Again.” “It Pays to Compare!” and “Why Pay Full Price for Fabulous?” The list goes on.
The price tag on items in the stores reflect both the original price from another store and the discounted price. These are often called their price and our price. This format emphasizes the value of the item and just how much savings you receive by shopping at this particular store.
Looking at one of these price tags, I considered the price that many people are willing to pay to receive forgiveness for their sins. Good work, endless apologies, self-deprivation, and considerable guilt and condemnation are high prices to pay for the sin in our lives. The Bible is clear about the cost of sin. “For the wages which sin pays is death,” (Romans 6:23a AMP) If we leave the verse at this point, the price of sin is higher than anything any of us could ever pay. Both spiritually and physically this price is overwhelming. In our own power we can do nothing to pay off this debt. The price is simply too high and we are left with hopelessness. That price tag hangs around your neck at the price of death.

Fortunately Romans 6:23 does not leave us hopeless. The verse goes on to say, “but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b AMP) This leaves us with a price tag that has the original price of death crossed out and the new price of “paid in full / free!” Now that is hope.

So the debt of forgiveness of sin has been paid at the cross. Payment of this debt brings us so much more than simply a clean slate with God. Jesus stated, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP)  The world's way of doing things is the thief that robs of joy, peace and a fulfilled life. God’s plan, salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, provides abundant grace, mercy and all things we need to live godly lives. “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).” (2 Peter 1:3AMP) This is no cheap discount product here. Abundant, eternal life is offered freely to all who will receive. It is available today.

Whenever we get a good buy on something, the inclination is to tell everyone about it. We want to share not only what we have received ourselves, but we also desire to let others know so they can get in on the good deal. When we receive the great blessing bought for us by Jesus Christ, we should have a far greater motivation and excitement to share the news. Friends, family, and strangers alike should be told about the great price and quality of our salvation. “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits—Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!” (Psalm 103:2-5 AMP)
The process of shopping this way is simple. One goes into the store, selects products and receives the discounted price. Anyone can shop at one of these stores, yet many still choose to go elsewhere and pay higher prices. We also come to God, lay down our sin and receive the forgiveness and new life that Jesus offers. Yet many will still choose to attempt paying for their wrongs instead of receiving God’s gracious gift. “But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name” (John 1:12 AMP) The choice to receive is ours.

Don’t go to the wrong place to pay for forgiveness for past and present sin. Go to the Father through the sacrifice of Jesus and see that the price has been paid in full. All you have to do is receive.