Did you hear about the promotion by KFC? They offered 4 free meals to everyone. You did not have to sign a contract, work for them, or hand them a single penny. All you had to do was hear about the offer, print a coupon, go to KFC, and accept their free gift. Not bad!

If you can understand that, then you can understand that God’s free gift (salvation) is not earned when you hear and believe the gospel, turn from sin, confess Jesus, and are baptized (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38).

KFC’s offer was available by their grace yet accepting the offer required that men “do something.” And in the process of “doing something,” the gift was still free, unmerited.

Most Baptist churches (and many others) have taught for years that by “doing something” to be saved (like being baptized) you are trying to earn your salvation. Do not be deceived by this—pursue and receive God’s free gift of salvation by obeying the gospel (Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:38)!