IT'S FREE
05th Aug 2026
Some time ago, Charles and I were asked to contribute money to a fund some wealthy Christians were collecting in order to help a man who had recently become a believer get free from his past. He had convinced this group that if he could purchase regalia connected to his former life and destroy it, he would be free of the bondage he felt was affecting his new life as a believer.
As I questioned the person making this request for money, I became very unhappy and was reminded of the scripture in 1 Peter 1:18 -19, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”
I was very forthright with this person and explained that I could not be involved in this because the Bible clearly states that salvation is God’s great gift, and there is nothing that we can contribute that can buy or earn it. Needless to say, we did not contribute to this fund.
God’s free gift to all who turn to Him and receive is complete freedom from the past, no condemnation, no guilt or shame, a new life of acceptance and love. We don’t deserve it, but it is visited upon us because of what Jesus has done on Calvary.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
My father was very old when he received the salvation Jesus offers, and in conversation shortly after he had received Jesus, he confidently declared, “My sins have been forgiven.” He had become a new man.
Psalm 32:3-6 speaks of the pressure of a guilt-ridden conscience and the wonderful release when we make a clean breast of failure and receive forgiveness and restoration.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
