We all understand the difference between wages and gifts. Wages we earn through work. We expect to get paid for the work we have done. Gifts are generally freely given. Gifts come from loved ones and express love to us. Wages are earned while gifts are freely given and received. The act of gift giving is not completed until it is received by the recipient, while wages are completed when the check is issued.
Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.” Because eternal life could never be earned, God gives it as a free gift to all who will receive Jesus Christ. We have all earned death as the wages for the sins we have committed. However, God demonstrated His love for us by freely giving His Son, Jesus Christ, to shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins and to grant us eternal life. Just like other gifts, however, to complete the act of gift giving, we must receive God’s gift by trusting Jesus Christ as our Savior and forsaking our efforts to earn eternal life.
Reluctant Retiree 