The Cost of Salvation

How often do we consider the cost of our salvation? Salvation is a free gift to us, but it came at a great cost for Jesus. There is absolutely nothing we as sinners can do to be reconciled to the one true and holy God, so Jesus stepped in and made atonement for us - even while we were still committed to our lives of sin! We can accept God's gracious gift of salvation through faith as we look to the atoning work of Christ. When we are saved by grace, Jesus takes our punishment and gives us credit for the perfect life that he lived. What a glorious exchange! Prayerfully consider the juxtapositions between Christ and us found in the following excerpt from "Love Lustres At Calvary" in The Valley of Vision.

"Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,

cast off that I might be brought in,

trodden down as an enemy that I might be welcomed as a friend,

surrendered to hell's worst that I might attain heaven's best,

stripped that I might be clothed,

wounded that I might be healed,

athirst that I might drink,

tormented that I might be comforted,

made a shame that I might inherit glory,

entered darkness that I might have eternal light.

My Saviour wept that all my tears might be wiped from my eyes,

groaned that I might have endless song,

endured all pain that I might have unfading health,

bore a thorny crown that I might have a glory-diadem,

bowed his head that I might uplift mine,

experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,

closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness,

expired that I might for ever live."

Jesus "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:7-8). Jesus emptied himself so that we could be filled. We are filled so that we can "know him, love him, live with him, and glorify him" (New City Catechism Question 4) and so that we can share him with others. Salvation is a free gift. Let us remember that it was not free for our Savior, and let us therefore live out our lives with thanksgiving and praise to the Great Giver of Grace.

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Sovereign Grace Music has done a wonderful job of turning many Puritan prayers and devotions from The Valley of Vision into songs. "How Deep" is the song taken from the above excerpt. Listen and meditate on the depth of God's love for us.