September 2026

In everyday life, we love a good deal. We clip coupons, hunt for promotional codes and try to earn discounts through loyalty points or spending just enough money to qualify. We can apply this same mindset to God – hoping that if we do enough good deeds, avoid enough major mistakes, and keep a clean record, we will eventually “earn” enough credit to get into heaven.

The problem with our good works is that no matter how many spiritual “coupons” we try to collect through good behavior, we can never earn our way to a holy God. Every one of us has sinned and missed God’s standard of perfection (Romans 3:23). Sin separates us from God, and no amount of self-improvement or religious effort can pay the price for it (Romans 6:23).

While we could never afford the price of admission to heaven, God offers it to us as a completely free gift – that is why it’s called the good news! The price has already been paid in full by Jesus Christ on the cross.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9

This is the ultimate free offer. You don’t need to work for this gift or try to earn a discount. You simply need to accept it:

1. Admit that you fall short and cannot save yourself.
2. Believe that Jesus Christ paid your debt through His death and resurrection.
3. Receive Him as your Lord and Savior, trusting His grace alone.

PRAYER

Dear God,

I admit I have fallen short and can not earn my way to heaven through my own effort. I accept your free gift of salvation made possible to me because Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again to pay for my mistakes. Thank you.

Amen.