I’ve got it, but I still don’t get it.

What have I got? Salvation from all my sins – past, present, and future. (Acts 13:38-39) A home in heaven when I die. (John 14:2-3) Jesus as my traveling companion through life. (Hebrews 13:5-6) All the riches God has, free for the asking. (Romans 8:32) Membership in a worldwide family of redeemed people. (Ephesians 2:19) God’s Spirit living in me as my 24/7 personal trainer in victorious living. (John 14:26) Real comfort in all my sorrow. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

That’s just a sampler. I could fill the newspaper with the blessings received upon transferring our trust to the Lord Jesus and His death for us.
And don’t think these are fairy tales. They come from a Book filled with hundreds of prophetic promises that have already come true. Faith means trusting the God who gives such ironclad evidence.

So what is it I DON’T get? Why aren’t people beating the doors down to get in on the offer? If there was one chance in a million that even some of this was true, why wouldn’t everyone want these blessings?

Here’s what I think. It isn’t that people DON’T understand what God is offering them. The reason they reject the offer is that they DO understand.

It seems there are three objectionable parts to this offer.

1. The Comprehensive Claim of Christ. Jesus left us in no doubt when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

People read that as exclusive, but it’s the most inclusive offer ever made. Christ died for all. God wants atheists as much as He wants religionists, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Buddhists, Taoists, Catholics, Protestants, even those who have no idea what they believe. Whoever will, may come.

Here’s the last offer made in the Bible. “Let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17) Are you thirsting for peace, forgiveness, certainty? Then it’s for you!

2. The Comprehensive Diagnosis of Humanity. Here’s another reason people don’t want the World’s Best Deal. When God looks us over, here’s what He sees: “There is no one righteous, not even one; … All have turned away, … there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12, NIV)

It seems people would like their oncologist to say, when he finds a deadly but operable cancer, “We won’t operate. I don’t want you thinking negative thoughts about yourself. Lots of people are in worse shape, after all. Just keep a positive attitude!”

Here’s the great thing. God knows the worst about us and loves us anyway. Why not agree with His diagnosis? If we do, our deadly problem is fixable.

3. The Comprehensive Arrangement with God. People are happy to have Jesus in the back seat, making occasional suggestions. But Lord of my life?

That’s the arrangement. You get all God has – and He gets YOU. “Do you not know that…you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Once you get it – salvation, I mean – He’s got you, and promises, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” (John 10:28)

Jabe Nicholson of Starkville knows the world’s falling apart but God’s plan is falling in place. Reach him at [email protected] or www.uplook.tv