Beyond the Weekend

November 5 | Gift

November 5, 2014

Text: Ephesians 2.8-9

Intellectual knowledge about Jesus is not enough to save our souls. It’s a start, and it’s necessary, but it’s not enough. It’s the difference between “believing with your head” and “believing with your heart,” moving from “head knowledge” to “heart knowledge.” So, what’s the difference?

The Apostle John, in his biography of Jesus, seems to distinguish between the two when he writes, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” (John 1.12). Believe and receive.

“Believe” speaks to understanding as truth the claims of Jesus: the sinless Son of God who died to pay for the sin of all humanity. It’s the “head” part. “Receive” speaks to appropriating this “gift” to us individually. We make it our own when we “receive” this gift of God. It’s the “heart” part.

Today, to better understand what it means to “receive” God’s gift, begin to memorize Ephesians 2.8-9. Use these verses as the basis of your thanksgiving to God for the salvation of your soul.

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