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The Gift of the Cross

    Do Christians get special treatment? Does God love them more than He loves non believers? After hearing and being asked questions like these, I think it's time for some clarification. How does the relationship between believers and God look versus nonbelievers?

    The first think we need to understand is yes, Christians do get special "treatment" or "benefits" from God. This is because of Jesus. When God the Father sent His son to earth, He was born into this world without the nature to sin. Therefore, He lived out His life without ever breaking the law. He was perfect and unworthy of death because death is a consequence of sin. He then became the sacrifice for our sins so that we would be able to have eternal life. But along with that comes all the other privileges of sonship. The Father now views us through the lens of Jesus, as if we have never sinned. We are allowed the same gifts the Father gave His son, including His very Spirit, the Holy Spirit, who was sent to us after Jesus ascended into Heaven. 

     Now how does that relate to nonbelievers? Nonbelievers are just as loved by God. The only difference is, they have not yet accepted the gift of Jesus and gained everything that comes with it--including the favor of God. However, we know that it is God's will that everyone will be saved! It breaks the Father's heart when someone dies without ever accepting Him. He wants to give all His blessings to all His children. 

    If you don't yet know Jesus, I want you to know that He loves you more than anyone on this earth ever could. It is His will to bless you abundantly! But He will never force anyone into loving Him. He wants you to be free to choose Him. It is my prayer that you do, for I can imagine no greater gift than Jesus' love and sacrifice.

1 John 3:5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. (NIV)

John 3:6-7 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again.' (NLT)

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

1 Timothy 2:3-6 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, Himself human, who gave Himself — a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. (HCSB)

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