Receiving God's Gift: The True Path to Salvation

Devotional

Day 1: Humanity’s Attempt to Take Heaven in Our Own Strength

From the very beginning, humanity has tried to grasp heaven, peace, and fulfillment through our own wisdom, effort, and striving, just as Adam and Eve reached for the forbidden fruit in the garden. Despite all our advancements, knowledge, and opportunities, we still find ourselves empty, lonely, and searching for meaning, because the work of the flesh can never attain the kingdom of God. True life, joy, and salvation are not things we can seize by our own power; they are gifts that only God can give. [03:52]

Genesis 3:1-8 (ESV)
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

Reflection: In what ways are you still trying to “take heaven” or find fulfillment through your own effort, rather than receiving it as a gift from God?

Day 2: Salvation Is God’s Gift, Not Our Achievement

No matter how hard we try, salvation and entry into God’s kingdom are not things we can earn or inherit from others; they are gifts given by God to those who believe and receive Jesus. Our background, family, or personal striving cannot make us children of God—only faith in Christ and receiving Him can. This new birth is not by blood, nor by the will of the flesh, nor by the will of man, but by God’s will and love for us. [15:40]

John 1:12-13 (ESV)
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Reflection: Have you been relying on your background, family, or personal effort for your relationship with God, or have you truly received Jesus for yourself?

Day 3: The Devil Opposes Our Conversion, But God Defends Us

Whenever someone draws near to God, the enemy stands ready to accuse, condemn, and resist, both in the presence of God and in our own minds. Yet, just as God rebuked Satan when he opposed Joshua the high priest, God Himself stands as our defender and advocate, choosing us and plucking us from the fire. The devil may accuse, but he cannot snatch us from God’s hand when we belong to Christ. [12:21]

Zechariah 3:1-2 (ESV)
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?”

Reflection: When you feel accused or unworthy, how can you remind yourself that God is your advocate and has chosen you?

Day 4: Conversion Means Turning and Becoming Like a Child

To enter the kingdom of heaven, we must be converted—turning away from sin, self, and shame, and turning fully toward God with the trust and openness of a child. This means adopting a new attitude of simple faith, receptivity, and surrender, letting go of our need for control and our demands for understanding, and instead trusting our Father’s love and leadership. [24:20]

Matthew 18:3 (ESV)
And he said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let go of control and trust God with childlike faith today?

Day 5: Being Born Again Brings Us Into a New Life

Conversion is not just a change of behavior, but a new birth—a spiritual transformation that brings us into a new sphere of living, where we are alive to God and empowered by His Spirit. This new life is not about adding God to our plans, but about centering our entire existence on Him, living in His will, and experiencing the fullness of life that only He can give. [32:12]

John 3:3-6 (ESV)
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Reflection: How would your daily priorities and decisions change if you truly centered your life on God, rather than just fitting Him in?

Sermon Summary

Humanity has always longed for something more—an escape from emptiness, loneliness, and the limitations of this world. From the very beginning, Adam and Eve reached for heaven, desiring to be like God, but instead found themselves exposed, ashamed, and separated from the life they truly sought. This longing continues today, as people chase fulfillment through knowledge, technology, relationships, and even spirituality, yet still find themselves hollow inside. The truth is, heaven and salvation have never been ours to take by effort, intelligence, or desire. They are gifts that only God can give.

The story of Joshua the high priest in Zechariah 3 reveals a profound reality: when God chooses someone, the enemy fiercely opposes that person, accusing and condemning them both before God and in their own conscience. Yet, it is God who rebukes the accuser and defends those He has chosen. We cannot earn or seize salvation; we can only receive it as a gift, by believing and trusting in Jesus Christ. This is what the Bible calls conversion—a transformation from death to life, from the old nature to a new one, from striving in our own strength to resting in God’s grace.

Conversion is not a one-time event or a matter of religious activity. It is a turning—a new direction away from sin, self, and shame, and toward God. It is becoming like a child again: open, trusting, receptive, and willing to receive the kingdom of God with simple faith. This childlike attitude allows us to experience a fresh start, a new nature, and a new name. It is not about control, effort, or demanding answers from God, but about surrendering and trusting Him as a loving Father.

To be truly converted is to enter a new sphere of living. It is to be born again—not just added to a church or a set of beliefs, but to be made alive by the Spirit of God. This new life is not about adding God to our plans, but about having our entire life centered in Him. The evidence of true conversion is a life that pursues God’s will above all else, a life that is all in, not halfway or partway. God desires to give us the kingdom, to adopt us into His family, and to fill us with His life. The invitation is to turn to Him, trust Him, and receive the gift of salvation and new life in Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. The futility of self-effort: From the garden of Eden to our modern pursuits, humanity has always tried to reach heaven by its own strength, wisdom, or technology. Yet, every attempt to grasp fulfillment apart from God leads to emptiness, shame, and separation. True life and peace cannot be achieved by striving, but only by receiving what God freely gives. [03:52]
2. The enemy’s opposition and God’s defense: Whenever someone draws near to God, the enemy stands ready to accuse and condemn, both before God and in our own minds. But God Himself rebukes the accuser and defends those He has chosen, reminding us that salvation is His gift, not something the enemy can take away. Our security rests not in our own strength, but in God’s sovereign choice and mercy. [12:21]
3. Conversion is a turning and a transformation: To be converted is to take a new direction—turning away from sin and self, and turning fully toward God. This change is evidenced by a transformed life, new desires, and a growing distaste for the old ways. True conversion is not about religious activity or heritage, but about a real, inward change that leads to new behavior and priorities. [23:31]
4. Childlike faith is essential for entering the kingdom: Jesus teaches that only those who receive the kingdom like a little child—open, trusting, and receptive—can truly enter it. This means letting go of cynicism, control, and the need for answers, and instead embracing a posture of trust and surrender. Childlike faith allows us to receive a fresh start and a new nature, regardless of our past. [25:55]
5. Living in a new sphere: True conversion brings us into a new quality of life, where we are not just physically alive, but spiritually awakened and empowered. This new life is centered on Christ, not merely on religious practices or moral improvement. The evidence of this life is a heart that seeks God’s will above all else, and a life that is “all in”—not content with partial commitment or mere religion, but fully surrendered to God’s kingdom. [36:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:35] - Introduction to Conversion
[02:00] - The Fall: Humanity’s First Grasp for Heaven
[03:52] - The Loss of Innocence and the Search for Fulfillment
[07:20] - Modern Pursuits and Inner Emptiness
[08:50] - The Rise of Spirituality and the Limits of Human Effort
[09:26] - The Enemy’s Deception and Opposition
[10:37] - Joshua the High Priest: God’s Choice and Satan’s Resistance
[12:21] - The Accuser’s Tactics and God’s Rebuke
[14:39] - Receiving, Not Achieving: The Gift of Salvation
[18:00] - The Law of Life: Conversion Illustrated
[20:05] - Conversion: A New Direction and Changed Behavior
[24:20] - Becoming Like Children: The Attitude of Trust
[30:31] - Entering a New Sphere: Born Again to New Life
[34:50] - Beyond Religion: All-In for the Kingdom
[36:48] - Living in Christ: The Evidence of True Conversion
[42:09] - God’s Mercy: Plucked from the Fire
[44:06] - Invitation to Receive the Gift of Salvation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 3:1-8 (ESV) — > Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

Zechariah 3:1-2 (ESV) — > Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?”

John 3:3-6 (ESV) — > Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Observation Questions

In Genesis 3, what did Adam and Eve hope to gain by eating the fruit, and what was the actual result?
According to Zechariah 3, who was standing to accuse Joshua the high priest, and how did God respond?
In John 3, what does Jesus say is necessary to see and enter the kingdom of God?
The sermon mentions that even with all our knowledge and technology, people still feel empty and lonely. What examples were given to show this?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Adam and Eve’s attempt to “be like God” led to shame and separation instead of fulfillment?
What does it mean that salvation is not something we can take for ourselves, but only receive as a gift from God? How does this challenge common ideas about earning or deserving salvation?
The sermon describes conversion as a turning and a transformation, not just a religious activity. What are some signs that someone has truly been converted, according to the message?
Jesus says we must become like little children to enter the kingdom. What qualities of children are highlighted as necessary for receiving the kingdom, and why might these be difficult for adults?

Application Questions

The message says that people often try to fill emptiness with knowledge, technology, relationships, or even spirituality, but still feel hollow. What are some things you have tried to use to fill emptiness in your own life? Did they satisfy? Why or why not?
The enemy accuses and condemns us, both before God and in our own minds. Can you think of a time when you felt unworthy or too guilty to approach God? How did you respond, and what would it look like to trust God’s defense instead?
The sermon says true conversion is shown by a changed life and new desires. Are there areas in your life where you see evidence of this transformation? Are there areas where you still feel stuck in old patterns?
Jesus calls us to receive the kingdom like a child—open, trusting, and receptive. What would it look like for you to approach God with childlike faith this week? Is there a specific area where you need to let go of control or cynicism?
The message warns against being “halfway” or “partway” in our commitment to God. Are there parts of your life where God is just one part among many, instead of the center? What practical steps could you take to make Christ the center of your life?
The story of Joshua the high priest shows that God defends those He has chosen, even when the enemy accuses. How does knowing that God is your defender change the way you deal with guilt, shame, or spiritual opposition?
The invitation at the end of the sermon is to receive the gift of salvation and new life in Christ. If you have not experienced this conversion, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you help others receive this gift?

Sermon Clips

``We can't take heaven for ourselves. But guess what? The devil can't take salvation from us either. He can't take heaven from us either. However, salvation in heaven are God's gift to those whom he chooses. Did you see that? He said, I chose Joshua. I chose Jerusalem. So you can oppose all you want. I rebuke you. Get out of here because what I've chosen, you can't stop. [00:14:10] (24 seconds) #ChosenCannotBeTaken

If you want to enter the kingdom of heaven, you have to turn your back on sin and self and shame and satan and you have to turn your face towards god this means all in it doesn't mean walk sideways it doesn't mean it means walking directly with your focus on jesus so many of us need to be converted because we're walking sideways we're trying to go in a general direction of god but i don't know about you but i know my peripheral vision is limited and when you're walking sideways you don't always see everything you're supposed to see and sometimes you trip over things and sometimes you don't even make it where you're trying to go the only way you can live this christian life is all in focused on god so be converted stop turning stop turning towards sin stop walking away from god and start walking towards him that's the way to heaven that's the way to peace that's the way to joy that's the way to life god is the source god is the giver god is the one we're empty because we're not running towards god we're trying to hide from him [00:20:58] (66 seconds) #ChangedWaysShowConversion

You can have a fresh start. You get a new nature. You get a new name. You have to trust that. It's like they say, when the devil reminds you of your past, you remind him of his future. Amen. Where's the future for the devil? Oh, the lake of fire, praise God. When you're born again, you're made new. The Bible says old things pass away. And in simple trust, what do we do? We receive that new nature and we put off the old. [00:25:37] (30 seconds) #TrustLikeAChild

Trust God with the simplicity of faith. It's not effort. It's not striving. It's trust. It's love. It's rest. It's peace. Surrender. Trust God. And that'll lead you towards the kingdom of God. [00:30:15] (16 seconds) #SpirituallyAliveInChrist

Being born again. That's the process. That's conversion. Being converted means that we're born into a new sphere of living, right? Like, like, think about it. Is cabbage alive or lettuce alive? It's, it's alive, right? It grows. It's alive. But is a cabbage alive the same way that a cat is alive? I mean, cats are, they run around and they chase mice and they play with string, you know, balls of string and they, you know, cats have a different level of life than the cabbage does, right? Does a cat have any kind of the same life that we have? I mean, we're creative. We do art. We have philosophy. We invent things and create things. Cats just like wander around for food and, you know, cabbages don't do nothing but photosynthesis. But they're all alive. See, there's different kinds of life, different quality of life. In Christ, we're alive, not just physically. We're not just like a lump of cabbage or lettuce sitting there in the garden. We're alive spiritually now. We're awakened to life in God. [00:31:42] (69 seconds) #BornAgainNotReligion

You have to go all the way with God, fully into the kingdom. Don't stop short at religion because it's not enough. And in our hands, religion becomes just another way we try to take heaven for ourselves. To seek to be filled with the spirit of God. We have to seek to be renewed by the blood of the lamb. If you want to enter the kingdom of heaven, the only way to do it is to be born again, to be converted. You must be converted to Christ. There's no other way to heaven. There's no other way to peace. There's no other way to joy. There's no other way to eternity, but going through Jesus. [00:35:21] (36 seconds) #GodIsOurLifeCenter

If you feel convicted, it's because God is calling you. Now, if you feel condemned and you're hearing that other voice saying, you're not worthy. You don't deserve it. You're not righteous. You're not good. You don't deserve God's grace. You don't, you're pitiful. You're terrible. You're a sinner. That's the liar opposing you. That's the devil fighting you. Really simply, what do I want for you? I want you to receive the gift of God. Receive salvation. Receive conversion. Enter into the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus. [00:44:39] (36 seconds)

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