Greetings, friends. I’m now down at Biola University in the Cook School of Intercultural Studies taking two courses, Social Anthropology and Honor/Shame. At this level of study, much of what we do is not just hearing the professor’s thoughts, but we have lively dialogue with all the students who are experienced missionaries, teachers, pastors and ministry leaders. In one of my classes, we are looking at the concept of gift-giving and reciprocity in various cultures, and in one of the books we read by Marcel Mauss (The Gift, a classic of anthropology), the author proposes that there is no such thing as a “free gift,” but that every gift comes with obligations and expectations that the giver has of the recipient. From there, it was not a giant step to broach the subject, “Is salvation a free gift, given with no obligation or expectations?” Anytime the discussion comes around to the Bible or Christian beliefs, my ears perk up and I lean forward.

So what do you think?

After some discussion from other students, I could not hold it in any longer. I opened my Bible and walked the class through some key texts:

Rom.6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom.5:15-17 – But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Rev.22:17 – The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

Clearly there is teaching in Scripture that the gift of salvation and a relationship with God is “free.” However, does that mean that God has no expectations of us following this “free gift?” Are there obligations inherently attached? Does He get anything out of the gift? Marcel Mauss proposed that if any of these are true, then the gift is not really free.

As I continued reviewing passage, it seems clear to me that indeed God does have expectations of us. He has a purpose in our salvation, and we are to align with that purpose. We are to glorify Him, worship Him, and spread His global fame. We are to draw the nations to know Him and worship Him even as we do. He receives glory through our salvation, and He lives consistent with His character as a good, righteous, gracious and loving God. Some passages that come to mind are:

2 Tim.1:8-9 – …join with me (Paul) in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity…” God saved us with a holy calling, according to His purpose. He has expectations of us. 

Even our creation comes with expectations and obligations linked, as we see in Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:17. Is.43:7 – “Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.” God ultimately created us for His glory, and for Himself.

In fact, every blessing we receive has a purpose according to God’s plan. Ps.67:1-2,7 – “God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us—That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. … God blesses us, That all the ends of the earth may fear Him.” Did you catch the two “thats” in these verses. That (short for “so that”) indicates purpose, expectation, a plan God has in blessing us. It is SO THAT all the earth will fear him, SO THAT His salvation will spread globally. 

So my point which I mentioned in class is that the question is poorly worded, and has inaccurate assumptions. For in truth a “free gift” does NOT mean that there are no obligations or expectations, but that the recipient did not earn or merit or deserve the gift given, which is absolutely true in our salvation, our creation and the blessings we receive from God. Praise God for His lavish grace, in giving us life and eternal life through His Son when we certainly did not deserve it. And now it is our joy and privilege to honor and glorify Him throughout our lives and for eternity, and encourage others to do the same.

Pressing on, Eric