“Did you get your get out of hell free card yet?” This is a popular expression that I’ve heard numerous evangelists say when endeavoring to share the gospel. However, this is quite misleading to the unrepentant sinner.
You see the trip to heaven is not free, it cost dearly. Redeemed sinners are a “purchased possession.” Prior to salvation man does not esteem the law and consequently cannot esteem the sacrifice.
Imagine if somebody stepped in front of a bullet for you but, you knew nothing about it. You never saw it, you never heard it, and this is the 1st time anyone’s mentioned it to you. You would not likely esteem the sacrifice and consequently it would not greatly affect your life.
However, one day somebody showed you a video of this event, and you became convinced that it was a real. This would likely have profound effect upon your life. You would want to know who this person was, and why he was so willing to give his life in your stead. Further, you would want to live your life in a fashion that honors the sacrifice.
God’s moral law (the 10 Commandments) is perfect in converting the soul. It is a video of our life that leads us unto Christ, who became sin for us, though he knew no sin that we might be the righteousness of God in him.
His perfect life, perfect sacrifice, and glorious ascension, is the passion that drives the evangelist.
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:12-14