Its a gift. [ Romans 6 v23 /Ephesians 2 v8-10]

Michael Wilcock,commenting on the religious leaders rejection of Christ and salvation ,writes ''When they found that salvation was a gift and not a
right,they were offended,and refused it''.To a people who lived by rules and regulations,it did not make sense,there are many people like those religious leaders,who feel that they must observe certain practices,in order to merit salvation.Even though the Bible clearly tells us that the gift of God is eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ[Romans 6 v23]It is illustrated
throughout the gospels,we hear Jesus saying ,blessed are you who are poor,for yours is the Kingdom of God[Luke 6v20]It is not that God did not
declare that Salvation is a free Gift in  OT,in Isaiah 55v1, God declares that the people can be blessed ,freely.I remember trying to help a couple who were in need financially,I wanted to give them a gift,but the wife would not accept it, in the end the wife agreed to accept the money as a loan.People are proud ,and such a pride can cause us to miss out on that glorious gift of
salvation,that God offers us, when we accept Jesus as our Saviour.
                                            A  prayer.
Dear God it is truly amazing that salvation is a gift,that they can receive by simply trusting  Jesus .Amen.