Grace Is Free Because Jesus Paid the Cost

by Rick Warren — August 19, 2023
From Essentials for Living

“Many people received God’s gift of life by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ.”

Romans 5:15 (NCV)

If you looked in your mail today and found a free gift waiting for you, it wouldn’t really be free. Someone paid for it at some point.

The same is true of God’s grace. It’s totally and completely free to you—but Jesus paid for it.

It cost Jesus his life.

That’s why salvation comes through Christ and Christ alone—because he’s the one who paid for the grace we receive. The Bible says, “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved” (Acts 15:11 NIV).

Nobody else but Jesus volunteered to pay for your sins. And nobody else but Jesus paid the price for all the blessings God brings your way.

Romans 5:15 says, “Many people received God’s gift of life by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ” (NCV).

When you receive the grace of God through Christ alone, you are “in Christ.” That phrase is used more than 120 times in the Bible. And being in Christ changes how God looks at you.

You may think that when God looks at you, he sees all your sins, failures, and rough spots. But when you’re “in Christ,” God just sees Jesus. You may see all of your scars, messes, and problems—but God sees perfection in Christ.

That’s grace, and it can only be found in Christ.

God’s love for you isn’t based on what you do. It’s based on who you are in Christ. In fact, there’s nothing you could ever do to make God love you any more—or any less. 

When you come to God through Jesus Christ, he won’t reject you. The Bible promises, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13 NIV).

God is ready and willing to give you his grace and secure a future for you in heaven.

You just need to accept his grace!

Talk It Over

  • God’s love is unchanging despite our sin. Why, then, do you think so many people feel unloved by God?
  • Who in your life needs to hear about God’s unchanging love? What will you do about it?
  • How should you treat grace when you consider that it cost Jesus his life?

Have you received God’s grace through Jesus Christ?

No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, you’ve got a place in God’s forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive.

Trust in God’s character and the grace he extends. Confess your sins and ask God to forgive you. Claim the promise of Jesus, that salvation is free and open to anyone who turns from their sins and agrees to follow him as their Lord and Savior. Humbly ask God to accept you into his forever family.

Are you ready? Here’s a prayer you can start with: “Dear God, I know when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.