What Does the
BIBLE
However, the Bible does say quite a bit about BUYING and SELLING. The two terms appear over 150 times in the Bible. Jesus said a great deal about financial matters in His parables and other teaching.
The Bible's key lesson about BUYING is that God's most valuable "merchandise" is
Isaiah the prophet put it this way:
"Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without cost!"
The ancient prophet is echoed in some of the Bible's last words:
"And let the one who is thirsty come, let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost!"
What is this "Divine Product", called by the names wine, milk, and water of life? It is nothing less than God's forgiveness, and eternal life with Him in heaven!
It is offered to any who are spiritually poor and thirsty. That is, any who know they need to get into a right standing with the Creator.
God's "goods" are wrapped up in His unique Son,Jesus said of Himself that He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
When Jesus was executed by crucifixion, He was really giving up His life in love. It was His love for those spiritually needy ones who would believe in Him that led Jesus to a violent death.
The punishment due to them was taken by Jesus, the innocent One. When Jesus rose from the dead, the transaction was finished. Now, the reward due to Jesus for His perfect obedience could be given to those who come to "buy without cost".
When someone truly trusts in Jesus Christ, that man or woman or boy or girl is JUSTIFIED - God counts Jesus' perfect righteousness to his or her account. Every penalty is PAID IN FULL!
Meanwhile, what is the Bible's key lesson about SELLING?
Well, God offers only a package deal. At this price (FREE!!!) He only sells "the whole set".
Many today claim to be born again Christians, but the Bible says they are known by their fruit. When someone has really accepted God's FREE GIFT, there is a radical change in his or her life!
The true disciple (follower) of Jesus is now forgiven and cleansed of his or her old ways by that sweet water of LIFE. Now, that person knows and loves Jesus Christ the living Lord. He or she has SOLD OUT everything for Him. Jesus said this to one man who wanted to find eternal life:
"If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come - follow Me."
And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
The "bride" in the above passage from the Bible is the
The Church is not a building, but is all the people of every color, from all nations and languages, and from all ages who have come to know this great Savior, Jesus the Lord.
A member of one of the congregations of Christ…one small, local expression of that global, timeless people of God…probably gave you this pamphlet. We hope you will seek out that congregation or one like it, to further discuss these matters of eternal significance.