The verse of the day is Jonah 2:8, "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."

This statement which was made by Jonah (while inside the belly of a great fish!) contains 3 important lessons for us...

1. God will graciously save any person. No one is too bad for grace! 1 Timothy 1:15 states, "Jesus Christ came into the world to saves sinners..." Jesus stated, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Matthew 9:13). The good news the Bible contains is that God freely offers grace, forgiveness, and eternal life to all sinners.

2. Tragically, people forfeit the grace that could be theirs. God is willing to graciously save all people. However, that does not mean that all people will be in heaven. Some people (foolishly) choose to ignore God's offer of grace and eternal life. The invitation of salvation goes out to all men but all men do not take advantage of God's gracious offer. Thus, because they forfeit the grace that could be theirs they will end up perishing instead of enjoying eternal life! What a tragedy...

3. People forfeit the grace that could be theirs because they cling to worthless idols. In order to gain salvation and eternal life a person must be willing to "drop" the sins they are committing. One must "forsake his sinful ways and his sinful thoughts" (Isaiah 55:6-7). Foolishly, many people make the tragic mistake of "clinging" to sin and thus they forfeit the grace that could be theirs. Jesus made this same point as Jonah in Mark 9:43 where he stated, "If your hand causes you to sin, cut if off. It would better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands and be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched..."

I will close by reminding you of the words of the Lord Jesus, "What does it profit a man if he gains the world and forfeits his soul" (Matthew 16:26). I beg you, please, do not forfeit the grace that could be yours. If you will "drop" your sins and call upon the Lord he will save you! Otherwise, you are giving up your spot in heaven!