Gospel Invitations

"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" (John 7: 37-39)

It is both our duty and privilege, as disciples, and as representatives of the Lord and Savior, to call (or 'invite') men to come to Christ, for the quenching of their thirsts, and for the deliverance of them from theirs sins. We plead, urge, beg, exhort, the thirsty soul to come to Christ where they may find "living water," or "eternal life."

Sin, and the life of sin, "dries out" the soul, sapping it of all life, strength, and spiritual moisture. Sin parches the spirit but Christ and the gospel, and the life he gives, "quenches" such thirst, both now and forever.

"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (Revelation 22: 17 NIV)

Christ identified this "water of life" as the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit that accompany the Spirit's presence in the heart and mind of the believer in Jesus. The Spirit calls to men saying "come" and partake of Christ and of me, the Spirit of the Father and the Son. Come drink the fountain of eternal youth, of immortality and eternal life! What a glorious invitation!

The "bride" corresponds to the "church" or body of believers, who are "married" to Christ. (See Romans 7: 1-4 & Ephesians 5: 25-33) Thus, every disciple, as has been noted, has the privilege and duty to extend this gracious and glorious invitation to every sinner whom they meet in life. When they invite the Spirit invites.

How does one "come to Christ" and how does one "receive" Christ? It is by "believing" on him, by accepting the revelation and testimony given to him by the Holy Spirit. (See John 1: 12, 13 & 6: 65)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11: 28-30 NIV)

Not only "living water" that forever satisfies and quenches the thirsty soul, parched by sin, but also "rest" and easy servitude are promised to those who leave the servitude of sin and Satan to become servants of Christ by faith. (See Romans 6: 16-18) 

The invitation of Christ is for sinners to "change masters," to forsake sin and the way of disobedience and rebellion against God, from serving themselves, and their own wills and lusts, and become the servants of Christ, where true freedom is found. Thus, the invitation is also a call for slaves to come to Christ for freedom from thirst, weariness, and guilt. 

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David."(Isaiah 55: 1-3 NIV)

What a grand, glorious, and gracious invitation! From Lord God himself! There is no qualification required! Nothing anyone can do can merit the great gift that is being offered here. It is freely offered. All are invited to come. If one is thirsty because of the struggle with sin in the desert of this depraved world, then he is invited to Christ and the water of life. If one is tired of the the life of sin, he is invited to come to Christ for eternal rest and ease. If one is under the tyrant of sin, he is invited to come to Christ who is a gentle and loving Master, and whose service is easy and delightful. If one is dead in sin, lifeless(Ephesians 2: 1), he is invited to come to Christ who is both "the Resurrection" and "the Life." (See John 11: 25 & 14: 6)

Friend, will you ignore this invitation, or will you accept it?

(Reprint from "My Daily Bread" of July 26, 2007 - see here)