The Mall

And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready – Lk 14:17

The unique message of the Gospel is one that has flummoxed many for centuries – even in the Church. The concept of an economy that gives without anything in exchange is anomalous to all that the human mind can fathom.

Christianity’s doctrine of forgiveness of sins – not based on penance, sacrifice or any thing we bring to the table – is what distinguishes it from every other World religion.

But the Gospel of Grace goes beyond salvation; Eph 1:3 says Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

In Christianity, we’re not working to be blessed, we already have been blessed; we’re not praying to be healed, we already were healed (1Pe 2:24); and we’re not hoping for Everlasting Life in a future paradise, because as believers, we already have “everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation,” (John 5:24).

That is why I liken the New Testament Gospel to a MALL – an extremely large, country-sized MALL with millions of shops stacked full with billions of items. There’re spas, restaurants and theatres; swimming pools, bowling alleys and specialised gallerias. This MALL has everything and anything!

Now, here’s the distinguishing feature of this super-mega MALL – everything inside has already been paid for you by the owner, Jesus Christ. Yet many have not entered this MALL. Some are ignorant of its existence even though they’re saved, Born-Again Christians. Others hurdle in little camps around the large gates and argue about doctrines and terminologies. And others still simply stand at the gate – looking longingly into the goodies that are it but disbelieving that anything this good can come at no charge.

 “COME;” says your Master, “for all things are now ready” (Lk 14:17). Will you go in? Or will you keep stalling?

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. – Rev 22:17.

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN