For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
— ROMANS 6:23 —
Tan Molina: Berea Seminary | Spain
When I was ten years old, the first long book I read was Ciudad Dorada (The Golden City). This book is a modern gospel allegory where Itor and Yasir live in the fortress of Endor, ignoring that they are slaves. Life is normal to them, but one day they start to wonder about the outside world. To keep them from leaving the city, the chief of the guards grants them some extra privileges. The gospel is the power of God for salvation! Proclaim it to those enslaved in the fortresses of this world. As they both hear the call from the king and his son from the Golden City, they make the dangerous decision to leave Endor and start walking to freedom. It should be a no brainer, shouldn’t it? We tell people the bad news: they are slaves of sin; they come and go minding their own business without even considering God; the wages of their sin are “privileges” that lead to death. At the same time, we tell them the good news: Christ has earned their freedom on the cross and offers them the free gift of eternal life, a true life that starts now. Who could be so foolish to reject such an offer? But they do. So, be encouraged and do not despair! As you proclaim the gospel and labor for the cause of Christ, remember that you also rejected Christ for a while. But, in His infinite love and patience, He made you die to sin and be united to Him. The gospel is the power of God for salvation! Proclaim it to those enslaved in the fortresses of this world, and by faith believe that God will call them to Himself and they would start walking to freedom!