Scripture for Today: Rev. 3:8 “I know your deeds.  See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My name.”

I am standing in front of what is called a “holy door.”  It is found in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  This is one of four holy doors in the papal basilicas of Rome.  In times past it was opened once every hundred years, then every fifty.  Now, it is cemented shut from the inside and only opened at special times at the discretion of the Pope.  It is opened to grant all who pass through a “plenary indulgence.”  According to the Catholic Church tradition, this means a removal of all temporal punishment due to minor sin.

Our verse for today is spoken by Christ to one of the seven churches; Philidelphia.  He commends them for their good deeds and perseverance.  The door to the Kingdom of Heaven is opened to them.  Nothing and no one can shut this door!  Jesus took on Himself all the punishment for sin.  It is only through Christ’s sacrifice that we have access to the Father.

There is a stern warning to the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees.  With their emphasis on works and their rejection of faith in Christ, they shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces! (Matt. 23:13)  They not only refused to enter themselves but used their influence to keep others from entering.

I am grateful the door of faith in Christ and entrance to Heaven stands open today.  There is still opportunity to enter.  But one day, He will shut that door.  Thank you Lord, for Your patience and grace today to keep that door open.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

I was recently in the city of Avallon, France with my French Gospel choir.  We had just enough time to do some shopping before the rehearsal and concert.  I normally take a lot of time when shopping to compare prices and make decisions.  But this time, I knew a good deal when I saw it!  The saleslady in a small shop said this hat was not for sale as it was part of the decoration.  But with a little cajoling, she agreed to sell it but was not sure what price to ask.  She ended up practically giving it to me for a ridiculously low price!  I am not sure the owner will be too happy with her.

Our verse for today talks about salvation being a free gift of God.  There is no better deal than that!  It is because of God’s unmerited favor that He offers us eternal life.  We cannot claim it as coming from our own good works or efforts.  It is entirely a free gift.

There is something about “free” that suggests a lesser value.  When something is free we are less likely to value it.  If we did not pay a high price than we tend to take less care about it.  But with eternal life, the cost was enormous!  It is just that Someone else paid that price.  The price was death, a death that I should have paid for my own sin.  Instead, Jesus paid the price for me.

Yes, His gift is free, but oh what He suffered to pay for it!  Thank you Lord, for Your salvation, so rich and full and free.