Opus 2025-036: The Grace Card

I think possibly that the library card is an excellent example of how grace works in salvation.  We think of being saved by grace and that is a gift of God.  This is true.  The same basic statement could be made about your library card.  I think that salvation has a lot in common with your library privileges.

We tend to think of a library card as being free.  It is a gift from whatever government agency issues the card.  As a general rule, we don’t stop to think about the fact that someone had to build the library, stock it with books, and hire people to work there.  I think most people feel like the library just appears out of unicorn dust like they do every other government service.  The truth is that someone has to pay or there is no library.  In the case of your library, it’s paid for by taxes, which means you pay it.

Salvation is more like me going to another jurisdiction, and getting a library card in an area which I do not pay taxes.  In this case, someone else pays the price of the card.  That’s more like salvation.  It depends on someone else paying the price for my sin.  In this case it’s Jesus.  So let’s just go with the idea that my library card is free.

What is necessary for me to get a library card?  One library that I have a card from will give you a card as long as you live in Texas.  Others require certain ZIP Codes.  Some require you to live specifically within the city limits.  The point is there are requirements on getting it and you have to apply.  Unlike ballots that the Democrats want to supply, they are not mailed out to everyone.  They are available.  They are not automatic. That is in sync with the idea of salvation by grace.

So far you probably are with me, but here’s where my reform readers will part company.  The big question in my life ,or at least in my mind is, what does it take to keep the card functioning?  Understand, nowadays library cards are not issued on forever basis.  Every card that I have communicates with me roughly once a year.  They are not looking to revoke my privileges or, in a sense to remove my salvation, they are simply wanting to know if I am still on board.  Do I still consider myself a part of the library community?  There are no additional fees, but they do check my address to make sure that it’s really me.  Simple stuff.  Within the reach of every library card holder.  If I don’t respond or if I tell them no thanks, my library card is canceled and my privileges are revoked.  It is totally up to me.  It is my choice.

I think that’s a good example of how salvation works as we walk down the life that comes after being saved.  God is not going to cast us out into the darkness, like He did the man with the inadequate wedding clothes.  Jesus didn’t die on a cross to see how many people He gets into hell.  At the same time, Jesus doesn’t consider His sacrifice just kind of a cheap bit of laughter material, because nothing is expected of us.  We have the statement and Peter,

(2Pe 3:9 KJV)  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

At the same time Paul is constantly telling us, and reminding us that we need to keep living a righteous life.

So if you haven’t done so, apply for a card at your local library.  If you haven’t done so express you believe in Jesus and have your sins forgiven and get your spiritual library card signifying that you were a member in good standing of the body of Christ.  And make sure that you keep it up-to-date.

The cost is already been paid.  The price was beyond your reach.  It has been paid.  That’s what makes it something that is available to you.

homo unius libri