Salvation seems too good to be true. Atheists and skeptics, non-Christians who are honestly seeking, and sometimes even Christians who accepted Him long ago, all share the doubt that He really can and will save them. There’s even a song about it: See this video of “Can He, Could He, Would He?“. (Spoiler: The answer is “Yes”).
The more we become aware of our sin, the more incredible it seems that God would still love us and forgive that sin. How could He possibly provide salvation to us as a free gift?
That feeling is understandable, but incorrect, for a couple of reasons. Let’s look at them.
Free is Suspicious
From a young age, we are taught to be skeptical of anything offered for “free”. We know to look for the catch. The 0% interest will balloon into 30% after the first year. The contract will automatically extend for another three years at $10.99 per month. The favor will be called in the next time the “giver” wants something. Something will be demanded in return. Nothing is ever truly free.
In Jesus’ case, the catch is not that He wants you or me to do anything for Him before He is willing to save us. It’s bigger than that. He wants us to give Him ourselves. He asks us to turn loose of all other safety nets, and put our full faith in Him. No more trying harder, no more being good enough, no more dotting I’s and crossing T’s. Just trust. That’s difficult. We feel a drive to DO something to help save ourselves.
To think that any more action or payment is needed from us is to say that God is a liar. After all, He repeatedly says that “the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37) and “whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be delivered” (Joel 2:32, Romans 10:12-13) and “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
My Sin is Too Big
A common reaction is “But you don’t know what I’ve done, how bad I’ve been.” Well, maybe I don’t know, but God does. He even knew before it happened, whatever “it” was. Psalm 139 is a reminder that God knows us inside out, and has since even before we were born. In 1 Chronicles 28:9, David is making sure that his son Solomon knows that “the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts.” Not only our actions, but even our thoughts cannot be hidden from Him. And not just the verbalized thoughts: He also knows our intent even if we don’t consciously let ourselves think it.
But it’s not just that God already knows our sin. It’s that Jesus has already paid for it. What He endured on that cross was punishment harsh enough for even the worst sins of everyone who has ever lived. It wasn’t just the actual crucifixion, horrific as it was. It was the weight of guilt — my guilt and yours — and the rejection by the Father that were the unbearable sacrifice. But He did bear it: “the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him” (Isaiah 53:6). Only when He was able to say “It is finished” did He allow Himself to die. (Mark 15:34, John 19:30, Luke 23:46)
To think that my sin is different, unique, something beyond forgiving, is to say that Jesus is inadequate. It’s a claim to be more special than God can handle. Really? The incarnation and sacrificial death of the God who brought the universe into being is sufficient for others, but not good enough to cover my sin? Isn’t that a bit arrogant?
I’ll Try Harder
Another reaction is “I’ll do better from now on.” I hope so. I’ll do my best. But I know that I will fail again. My best isn’t good enough. I can’t be what I should by my own will power alone 1.
It’s natural to want to succeed by our own efforts. The rags-to-riches, pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstrings hero is a deeply embedded part of our culture. We admire people who overcome obstacles and achieve greatness without accepting handouts or taking advantage of others.
That may be appropriate in the business or artistic worlds. But it’s not when the definition of success is “perfectly reflecting God’s image”. If to succeed means to always submit to Him and carry out His will — in other words, to be like Jesus — then no amount of effort on my part will accomplish it.
To think that it’s possible for me work hard enough or be good enough to not need salvation is to say that Jesus wasted His time. He didn’t need to die. He just had to stand back and wait for me to accomplish everything myself. Oh, maybe He could choose to die for others if He wanted to, but not for me; I can make it on my own. That kind of “me, not God” thinking is exactly what I need to be saved from!
Jesus Is Bigger Than Our Objections
It is understandable to be amazed that God loves me so much that Jesus came to die for me. Standing in awe of the gift He freely offers is the obvious reaction. Ever since Adam and Eve, those who really understand who God is and what He has done for them can’t help but react with humble worship. There are no words that can describe the scope of His love and of the salvation He offers.
To doubt that He is able and willing to do that much for me is really doubting Jesus. It is thinking that His love isn’t bigger than my sin, or that His sacrifice is not sufficient to cover it. It is not giving Jesus the credit that He deserves. More than that, it is not believing that God is telling the truth, and that He means what He says.
We are not unique in needing to be reminded of these truths. The entire book of Hebrews is teaching this same lesson to Jewish Christians who were being tempted to fall back into the legalistic rituals of Judaism. It makes the points that Jesus is God’s “appointed heir of all things” and is “the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature” (1:1-3). He is also:
- Better than the angels (1:4-14)
- Better than Moses (3:1-6)
- A better High Priest (5:1-9, 7:1-28)
- Bringing — and being — a perfect sacrifice (9:11-14, 9:24-28, 10:1-18)
- Inaugurating a better covenant (8:6-13, 9:15-22, 10:19-22)
The writer goes on to caution readers against ignoring or downplaying Jesus’ work:
How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
Hebrews 10:29
God is not a liar. He doesn’t break His promises. Jesus really did do everything needed, and He really will save “whosoever will” believe and accept Him. It is too good…but it is true!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (KJV)
Note: A couple of similar articles on this site are “Assurance” and “Can ‘They’ Go To Heaven?“
Footnotes and Scripture References
- There is a powerful scene in The Chosen that showcases this point. Mary Magdalene has followed Jesus since she first encountered and was healed by Him. But she was triggered by an old trauma and relapsed back into her former life. In the scene, she is repentantly returning to Him. She says “I just don’t know if I can live up to it.” Jesus replies “That’s true. You can’t. But you don’t have to. All I want is your heart, which you have already given to me.” Although the event is fictional rather than explicitly Biblical, the lesson taught is entirely in keeping with the Bible. If Mary, or any one of us, returns after letting Jesus down, forgiveness is full and free.