I was booking a flight for my wife. I used frequent flier miles.

It struck me that frequent flier miles illustrate that our salvation is not bought by our efforts. Indeed, it’s impossible for we finite beings to do enough good deeds to satisfy the infinite righteousness needed to please the infinite LORD (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

Instead, we are given our salvation by God using his frequent flier miles purchased with the blood of Jesus on the Cross.

And so, the Apostle Paul could write to the Ephesians (and to us):

“For it is by grace [i.e. by using God’s frequent flier miles] you have been saved, it is the gift through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.(Ephesians 2:8-10).

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Do you believe it is possible for a finite being to do enough good deeds to satisfy the infinite righteousness needed to please the infinite LORD (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)? Why? Why not?

Why do you think Jesus died on the Cross?

Why do you think God resurrected Jesus on Easter morning?

READ MORE

For my lengthy discussion on these topics, please read my book Hoping in the LORD, especially PART SIX: Jesus Sacrifices Himself To Save Others (pages 207-293) and PART SEVEN: Jesus Resurrects Hope by Defeating Death (pages 295-333).