Salvation is expensive for both Jesus and Christians. He paid the price for our salvation, but following Christ requires taking up our cross and dying to ourselves.  Our salvation is free, but it’s not cheap. It’s the most expensive thing that we could never purchase. There are two things to consider regarding the cost.

First is the cost to God (vv. 20-24). Jesus explains that his death is necessary to save the Gentiles. Because he is fully God and fully man, he alone could atone for our sins. He saved us through a transfer of punishment. He saved us who deserved death, but could not afford it. There was no other way to be reunited with God.

The second is that we must die to receive God’s gift (vv. 25-26). In other words, all who are willing to lose their will and sinful desires instead of loving them will find eternal life. All who will follow God must take up their cross and put their life and sinful desires to death. We don’t just follow him to the grave, though; we follow him to the resurrection.

How do we apply this to our lives? We should hate our sins: Remember that our sins are the root cause of the world’s problems, separate us from God and cause sorrow in our own lives, and sent Jesus to the cross. Furthermore, put your faith in Jesus, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. He will save you and lead you to joy and holiness.