The Gift Bag

Have you ever been the recipient of a gift bag containing a seemingly endless array of items? For a bride to be this bag may contain kitchen items such as small appliances, dishware and assorted gadgets. The expectant mother may receive blankets, clothing, toys and diapers. For a birthday one may receive items related to an interest or hobby. Because the items have been carefully chosen for the recipient, the benefits and thoughtfulness that accompany the items in these bags are invaluable.

The gift bag itself may be extravagantly decorated or of a very simple design. Sometimes the recipient may leave all of the items inside the bag for time. It can be heartwarming to look at the gift and contemplate the care and consideration exhibited by the selection of the items within. Looking at the bag can stir up a great appreciation for the giver. But in the end, the gift items contained within that bag only become valuable as they are taken out and utilized by the recipient.

Salvation is a gift that we have received from our Heavenly Father through His abundantly free-flowing grace. “For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.]” (Ephesians 2:8-9 AMP) Often believers are aware of and trust these verses and the precious promise they contain. God has reconciled us to Himself through the sacrifice of His Own Son, Jesus. We have done nothing to earn this great gift. What may be mistaken is the idea that this gift of salvation is considered to be a one time, one item gift. As great as a security of knowing that by placing our faith in Jesus Christ, our eternal path has been changed and heaven is now our destination, salvation is so much more.

The salvation that God provides is not a one-time event. This salvation is the full, rich quality of life that Jesus promised. “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) In order to receive the benefits of this abundant, overflowing life that the Lord has provided, we must open the gift bag and take each item out one at a time and to make use of it. Daily, we apply each gift and each promise in our walk with God. This is how we work out our salvation. “Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” (Philippians 2:12-13 AMP) This is not a path of working hard for God. This is allowing the salvation that He has provided to change us from the inside out, one step at a time. God provides the power for this change.

Sometimes we may require some help starting to use what God has provided in the gift bag of salvation. The word of God is our greatest resource as we learn who we are and what we have been given. “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (Romans 12:2 AMP) God will graciously provide both instruction and assistance as we learn to walk this transformed life. “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 1:3 AMP) We simply choose to take what He has provided for us and learn to use it.

Do not leave the fullness of your salvation dormant in the gift bag the Lord provided to you the day you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ. Study the Scriptures and pull out every item that accompanied your new life, receiving and utilizing all that God has provided for you.