Wandering Crusader #264 Apprehended

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12

I was taught long ago that there is nothing free except our will. Only the willingly blind and ignorant believe they have found an exception to that truth. My Christian friends might protest that salvation and grace are free, but they are wrong.

Romans chapter 5, speaking of salvation, mentions a “free” gift. Scripture is clear that believers do not earn salvation. It is the gift of God. That does not mean that no one paid for it. This point also confuses those who promote socialism, communism, and all kinds of entitlement living.

Salvation was bought and paid for by Jesus Christ. Before we became lukewarm and had “praise teams”, we used to sing about how Jesus sought us and bought us. I didn’t find Jesus. He apprehended me. Once He had me, I could only accept His payment for my sinful life or reject it—reject Him.

Accepting His payment for my sins secured my salvation. That is not to say that the experience came at no cost to me. To this day, some fifty years later, my Christianity still costs me. It cost me friends, family, associations, opportunities, pride, ego, jobs, and money. It was worth every bit I have paid, and more, yet it hasn’t begun to touch the debt I owe.

Love may only be paid in kind. It was love that drove Christ to the cross, love for me and love for His Father. He does not demand love in payment. He doesn’t demand any repayment. He simply says that I freely give that which I have been freely given. Love cost God, who am I to go free?

If your Christianity hasn’t cost you, you’re either not doing it right or not doing it at all.

 Maranatha