What does free mean?

By Michael W. Gardner

The radio station says, “You are the 9^th caller.  You win the prize!”  and then they tell you to stay tuned to find out how to collect your prize.

“Is the prize free?” you ask. 

“Yes, completely free.  Just come down to the station and pick it up.”

“That sounds like work, do I have to earn the prize?”

“No, it is free, just come get it.  When you get here come in the front door and take a left down the hall.  Go the third room on the right and we will give you the prize.”

“I don’t think I should have to go down the hall.  That is too much work and if I have to work to earn the prize then it is not free.”

(Sigh)”It is free, it will cost you nothing but we need you to sign for it and give us your social security number so we can report the prize to the IRS.  Sorry but reporting it is required for such expensive prizes.”

“I don’t believe the IRS would Tax me.  I never did anything to them and everyone likes me.  You don’t tax the people you like.”

“You don’t sound like you want the prize?”

“Oh, I want the prize, you gave it to me and it is mine.  I claim it, I deserve it and I will have it.”

“Good, then you will come right down to collect it?”

“No, it is free and that means I don’t have to do anything to get it!”

“But you have to come down here to get it.”

Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it.  Belief that something is yours for free without acting on that belief makes no sense.  So how come the main belief of some denominations is that all you have to do is believe when every example of conversion after the death of Christ and the establishment of his kingdom is accompanied with repenting, confessing and Baptism?  Yes, salvation was given to man freely and there is nothing we can do to earn it but we still have claim our prize and that requires works of faith.  (James 2)