EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SALVATION
Matthew 20:1, 16
Jesus said, “ ‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers …. So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called but few are chosen.’ ”
This parable is an illustration of Jesus’ saying, “Many who are first will be last; and the last, first” (Matthew 19:31). In the parable, a farmer went out to hire day-laborers to help him with his harvest. He hired the first workers at 6:00 a.m. He went out again to the market-place at 9:00 and hired more men, and again at noon. Finally, he found some workers at 5:00 in the afternoon and hired them, perhaps because he felt sorry for those who had not secured work through the day. At the end of the day when he came to settle the wages for the workers, he paid those who had worked only part of the day the same amount as those who had labored in the field from early morning. Those who had worked all day did not think this was fair, and complained against him. The farmer responded, “Is is it not lawful [or just] for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?” (vs. 15). When it comes to salvation, everyone is saved the same. There are no “half-saved” Christians. The thief on the cross was just as saved as the disciples. It is the same for everyone. This is not to discount that there are different rewards for service for the Master. But salvation is “equal-opportunity.” It may not seem “fair,” but God is always just and His goodness and judgment is always right. I’m just thankful that He called me and I responded to receive His salvation.
TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: There are no degrees of salvation; it is equal for everyone who responds to His call.
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Have a thankful day. Love you.
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