While sitting in the waiting room of a car dealership during my recent car service, I noticed several advertisements. As I read each sign, I wrote the catchy phrases in my note book. I prayed and asked the Lord to speak to me and give me clear direction on what I was to share with the Breaks Ministry. After reviewing all of the signage and jotting down all I read. I landed on “Lifetime Warranty.”
The signage sitting on the counter actually said, “Home of the Lifetime Warranty.” My first question to myself was, “Can a dealership really offer a lifetime warranty on a vehicle?” Maybe they can but, the offer comes with a price. It’s my understanding the price of the warranty is built in the price of the vehicle with limitations. The lifetime warranty assures that when and if the vehicle experiences problems, malfunctions, etc. the repairs would be covered. As I thought more about a lifetime warranty, I asked myself “Is there a deductible?” Of course, there is. So as much as the signage displayed a level of confidence for the car buyer, that Lifetime Warranty comes with a price.
However, there is a Lifetime Warranty available at no cost to those who choose to receive it. Salvation is a lifetime warranty that does not cost us anything. It is a gift and it is available for all to receive. A very familiar scripture, is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” According to this scripture, God loves us so much that He gave His Son, Jesus as a gift to those that would receive Him. Once we receive Jesus, we are guaranteed not to perish. Instead, we are guaranteed everlasting life. At the very moment of receiving Jesus, God’s gift, we are given a Lifetime Warranty.
This Lifetime Warranty is not like any other warranty. The car dealership offered this warranty for the life of the car with additional charges attached to it, knowing the vehicle would not last forever. The warranty that is received from God by accepting and receiving Jesus Christ, is eternal. Although it is a gift and does not cost the recipient anything. A price was paid. It was a price that only Jesus could pay and He paid it all. No hidden fees, completely free to those that are willing to receive the gift.
As I sat and stared at the sign, I realized that they had gone to great lengths to get their point across. It was in big letters, and placed where all could see it, and although there was no one near the sign, there were several people within the dealership that were capable of explaining the details. The cashier, sales person or receptionist at the front of the store, and lastly the service technician that came to inform me that my car repairs were complete.
As I left the dealership, I could not help but compare my “saved-self” to the signage. Does the way I live my life display a bold signage for the Lord? Am I sharing with others information about the precious gift I received free of charge? Am I doing my part in sharing information about God’s Lifetime Warranty?
Ephesian 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are we saved through faith; and not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest anyone should boast.” This scripture makes it clear that our works cannot save us and we cannot and did not save ourselves. It’s the gift of God, Jesus Christ that saves.
The saved are commissioned to share the gift of Jesus Christ to all. We must explain the Lifetime Warranty that is available through Jesus Christ so as many as possible can share in this great gift and receive eternal life. The sign at the dealership suggested they have the best warranty. However, “Home of the Lifetime Warranty,” is the Kingdom of God and it offers eternal life free of charge!