The Bible teaches that God's favor and a person's entrance into heaven can only be obtained as a free gift. This teaching contrasts with the teaching of every religion in the world. Every religion teaches that people must earn the favor of God by doing something to make them worthy. It is helpful to state this truth in different ways. Eternal life is God's gift to you. Heaven is a free gift. A person does not, indeed cannot earn their way into heaven. In Romans 6:23 we read, "The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God's way of salvation is directly opposed to man's way. From birth we are taught to work for everything from our grades in school to our wages in life. God's way is the opposite. God's way is grace. Grace is receiving freely what we do not deserve. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
The good news is that even though we are all sinners God loves us and sent his son Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins. He did this when he died on the cross. Christ’s resurrection is proof that God accepted his death as full and final payment for the sins of the world. For those who trust and receive him into their heart as Savior and Lord, he gives to them eternal life. We simply believe or trust him to do what he promised. I pray that you will receive the gift of eternal life today. God loves you and so does First Baptist Church.