There is a gift that has been purchased for you and it is the greatest gift in the universe. Without this one gift, all other gifts mean nothing. It is the gift of everlasting life.
Last week I was watching a history program on television. The program told of the death and funeral of Abraham Lincoln. The commentator said that in the final years of Mary Lincoln’s life, she had a strong desire to die and go to heaven so that she could see her husband. Then the announcer made a statement that startled me. He said, “That’s what people used to believe back in those days.” The announcer said that there was a time when people thought there was life after death. He implied that believing that was as naive as believing the world was flat. How sad he didn’t know the truth.
The truth is, there is life after death. You will exist in one million years and beyond. But the question is, where will you be, and what will you be doing? Will you exist in the presence of God (eternal life) or will you exist separated from God in darkness (eternal death)?
Six thousand years ago man separated himself from God through disobedience and all mankind received the curse of death. Two thousand years ago God sent His Son, Jesus, who gave His life as a perfect sacrifice and paid the price to redeem mankind from the curse. He paid the price we could not pay and in the realm of the spirit, everything was done that needed to be done so that man could have everlasting life.
Although the gift was made available to every person on the earth, eternal life was only activated for those who would receive it. This gift has been available for 2,000 years and today it is available for everyone who will receive it. Jesus called it being born again. Others call it becoming a Christian or getting saved. Some refer to it as the new birth. Whatever you call it, it is the same gift. The price for the gift of salvation and eternal life has been paid in full by the blood of Jesus.
According to the Bible, all that is required to receive this gift is to:
(1) Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died for your sins.
(2) Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead.
(3) Repent (turn away from your sins).
(4) Confess Jesus before men and never deny that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.
To receive eternal life may seem like a very simple thing to do, and that’s because it is. All of the work has already been done by Jesus. He paid the price in full for this wonderful gift. All we have to do is receive it. God’s plan is simple. It is so simple that everyone has the ability to accept it.
You are God’s voice on this earth. If we do not share the gospel of the saving power of the blood of Jesus, then many will not hear. And if they don’t hear, how can they receive?
As a Christian you have been given the ministry of salvation. Jesus said that we should not keep the light covered but that we should let our light shine into the world. You should not be selfish. As you have freely received this precious gift yourself, you have a mandate from God to share it with others. You are a soul-winner!
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.