The Payment is Made – Will We Receive It?

John 1:29

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Not too long ago I used the following as a sermon illustration. I presented this question or scenario – if I had just come into a lot of money and offered to pay the complete mortgage due on everyone’s home if they came to church next Sunday and brought proof of their debt – how many would attend? Of course – everyone raised their hand and said they would attend.

I mentioned – remember – you us attend one of our worship services next week and you must bring proof of your mortgage debt – and you can invite family and friends. I imagine the place would be packed – not even standing room. We perceive the value of paying off our mortgage debt.

Of course – most of us – if not all of us – will at some point pay off our mortgage. We normally have the wherewithal to pay off the mortgage note – but the chance to have it paid off by someone else would allow us to save or spend that amount.

Now – assume that I had one billions dollars and it was just sitting in the bank – ready to pay off the mortgages of those who attended on that given Sunday. Assuming the average debt was $350,000 and that 500 folks showed that Sunday – I would pay out $175,000,000 – 175 million. If 1,000 showed that Sunday – I would pay out $360 million – so you see I have the money needed to cover even 2,800 mortgages and have come money leftover. So you see – the money is available and the debts would be canceled.

But – the issue is – what we were asked to do to get the money – show up next Sunday and bring our proof of debt. If you didn’t come that Sunday – the deal is off – no excuses. If you attended but forgot the proof of debt – the deal is off – no excuses.

Jesus came into the world with the express purpose of paying our debt of sin – a debt we would never be able to pay on our own. He died on the cross to take away all of the sin in the world – but there is a catch – a requirement. In order to have our debt of sin forgiven by Jesus – He must be our Lord and Savior. Most people want a savior but are not too keen on a Lord. They want their sins forgiven so they can go to heaven – but are not too sure they want to give up control of their life – accepting Jesus as Lord!

But like the requirements to have your mortgage paid (attend and bring proof) – there are no excuses or rain checks given if we die and have not yielded our lives to Jesus as our Lord! If you have not done so yet – do it today – ask Jesus to come into your heart as your Lord and Savior and yield your life to Him. Doing so doesn’t mean you won’t sin again – but striving to live for Jesus (and Jesus knows the truth about whether we are or are not) – living for our Lord – gains us the Savior part. The payment has been made – will we receive it?

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.