God's Great Contract

  

     Imagine you're standing in a courtroom. You've been accused of a crime, a serious one. The evidence is stacked against you, and you know you're guilty. The judge is about to pronounce your sentence – a life of imprisonment, a debt you can never repay. Suddenly, the courtroom doors burst open, and someone steps forward. It's not your lawyer; it's someone you've never met. He walks to the judge and says, "I'll take his place. I'll pay the penalty."

    That's a glimpse, a shadow if you will, of what God did for you and me. It's at the very heart of John 3:16, a verse so familiar, profound, yet so many people fail to fully understand it. 

  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

    In a lot of ways this one verse is like a contract or an official agreement. A contract where we see the Cost, Conditions, and the Claim

1.     The Cost

    In every contract there is a cost that must be paid. What makes this contract so unique is the cost is entirely on the One who designed the contract. The cost was paid entirely and solely on God.    

     Think about it: We didn't seek God; He sought us. We were lost, wandering in darkness, yet God, in His infinite love, took the initiative. He didn't wait for us to clean up our act or earn His favor. He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world, not to condemn it, but to save it. 

    Romans 5:8 beautifully states, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This is no passive love; it's active, sacrificial. Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, took our place on the cross. He bore the weight of our sins, the punishment we deserved. He paid the ultimate price, a debt we could never settle. A cost that we are unable to pay for, God paid it for us in full. This is God's work, a work of immeasurable love and grace.

2. The Condition

    In every contract there are conditions that are outlined that must be meet. In this contract we see just one condition. That condition we see is that we must believe in Jesus Christ.    

     You see God's contract with us requires our response. He offers us a contract. He paid all of the cost up front and in full. However, while all of this is true, it's not automatically applied. There is a condition that must be meet. That condition is that we must "sign", another words we must believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

    What does it mean to believe? It's more than just intellectual assent, more than acknowledging Jesus' existence. There are many skeptics, and atheists that will accept that Jesus was a historical figure. What this passage means by belief is that we must fully trust in Him, surrendering our lives to Him, and accepting His sacrifice as the payment for our sins. It's like signing a contract, committing to the terms.

    As Jesus himself said in John 6:40, "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." Our belief is our signature, our acceptance of God's offer. Only then can we receive all that God has paid for and offers us. It's our willingness to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.  

      "Whoever" is a very important word in John 3:16. It is a word that means everyone. No matter your past, your mistakes, your background, God's offer is open to you. What this means is that anyone can "sign" this contract. It is not for a select few or to a certain type of person. Everyone can place there faith in Jesus Christ and be saved! That means you, and me. 

3. The Claim

    When a contract is signed it is final and you now can lay claim to what is contained in that contract. When you sign the contract for a new home, that home is now yours and you can begin moving into it. In the same way when we put our full faith in Jesus Christ we can lay claim to what God has promised us in his word. We can lay claim and have full confidence that we have eternal life.

    The promise attached to this contract is breathtaking: eternal life. "Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This isn't just about living forever; it's about experiencing a life of fullness, joy, and purpose, both now and in eternity. Jesus tells us that "He came to give us life, and life more abundant". That means Jesus purpose is to give us a greater, purposeful and abundant life. That is for today and for all eternity. Pretty nice right! 

   God's promise isn't merely about escaping hell, it's so much more than that It's about entering into a loving relationship with God, a relationship that transforms you from the inside out. It's about experiencing the abundant life He offers, a life marked by peace, love, joy and hope. It's about finding your purpose in this life and God's plan for your life.

 Signing the Contract

So, how do you sign this contract? How do you receive this incredible gift of salvation?

1. Acknowledge your need: Recognize that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.  Admit that you cannot save yourself and you are in need of rescuing. 
2. Believe in Jesus: Trust that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again.
3. Repent and turn to God: Turn away from your sins and turn to God. Ask for His forgiveness and commit to following Him.
4. Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior: Invite Jesus into your life and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. Commit your life to following Him and ask Him to help you do so. 

You can pray a simple prayer like this:

    "Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I repent of my sins and ask for your forgiveness. I receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for your love and for the gift of eternal life. Amen."

    If you prayed that prayer with sincerity, you have signed the contract. You are now a child of God, and you have eternal life. God's great contract is yours. Reach out to me and let me know that you got saved. 

    Remember, this is just the beginning. Walk with God, read His Word, and connect with other believers. Embrace the abundant life He has promised you.