An issue most important when purchasing an item is that of understanding the terms stated in the warranty. Some products, such as automobiles, have the warranty periods based on mileage or years. Other items carry a lifetime warranty, though these may have limitations and exclusions not revealed in the fine print which only surface when the buyer initiates a claim.
A notable contrast is evident in matters that pertain to God’s relationship with mankind. All that is offered to an individual by God is on the basis of grace and cannot be purchased or obtained through some system of merit. That eliminates man’s attempts to obtain favor with God on the basis of self-effort.
Grace is free to all on the basis of the saving work of Christ on the Cross. It is God’s plan and purpose to bestow His unmerited love and favor on mankind even though all humanity is condemned by the very nature that resides within him … “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23 NKJV). If that were the permanent condition of a person, that truth paints a dismal picture of man’s spiritual condition. “For as in Adam all die [spiritually],” but the good news is that … “even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Cor 15:22 NKJV).
The Apostle Paul wrote … “Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous” (Rom 5:18-19 NKJV). “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” (Eph 2:8-9 NKJV). “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1 NKJV).
The Apostle John tells of God’s grace that removes an individual from condemnation into a relationship with God as His child … “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13 NKJV). “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17 NKJV). Therefore, God’s entire plan for mankind is centered in the Person of Christ and His payment on the Cross for the sins of each individual. To the scoffer or unbeliever, the terms of God’s plan appear narrow and indeed they are. Jesus said … “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt 7:13-14 NKJV). I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9 NKJV).
Prior His crucifixion Jesus reminded His disciples … “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NKJV). Only one way, yes, but it is open to all … “For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Rom 10:13 NKJV).
John records the fine print of God’s offer of eternal salvation and its unlimited warranty … “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13a NKJV).