Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Yesterday I laid out as plainly as I could the three parts of salvation, confession, repentance and surrender. In one sense we did something but it should not be confused with any effort greater than that effort required in receiving a gift.

We receive a gift on a personal level. We do not take someone else’s gift; we take our own. We unwrap the gift to see what is inside. We then take it with us and make it part of our life.

Now then, how precious is that gift?

Job 28:13 Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.

The value of a gift is not found in the cost; it is found in the respect of the receiver. How do you treat this gift of salvation which you have received? Do you put it back in its box and hide it in a special place where you alone can enjoy it privately? Do you put it in a display case for all to see but cannot touch?

Do you show everyone how it works, take it apart and allow others to examine the inner workings? Do you use it as it was intended? Do you care for it as any skilled craftsman would clean and sharpen his tools? What exactly does this free gift mean to you?

I have a wedding band which my wife gave me. It is heavy, and special, and I feel its presence on my hand always. I never take it off. It says I am hers. It is a constant reminder of our relationship. It is more than a symbol, a signet, it is part of who I am, especially when we are not together.

Precious is my salvation in that same way.