Salvation is through Faith in Christ Jesus
The word gift is an important one in the Bible, and it is good that we understand its definition and implications.
In the New Testament, there are several Greek words translated “gift.” Some of these words are used in contexts other than God’s gift of salvation, such as the reciprocal gift-giving of celebrants (Revelation 11:10), the things received from fathers (Matthew 7:11), offerings to a ministry (Philippians 4:17), and the gifts of the magi (Matthew 2:11).
However, when it comes to the matter of our salvation, the New Testament writers use different Greek words—words that emphasize the gracious and absolutely free quality of the gift. Here are the two words most commonly used for the gift of salvation:
1) Dorea, meaning “a free gift.” This word lays particular stress on the gratuitous nature of the gift—it is something given above and beyond what is expected or deserved. Every New Testament occurrence of this word is related to a spiritual gift from God. It is what Jesus offers to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:10). It is called the “free gift” in Romans 5:15. It is the “unspeakable [or indescribable] gift” in 2 Corinthians 9:15. This gracious gift is identified as the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38; 8:30; and 11:17.
The adverb form of this word is dorean, translated “freely” in Matthew 10:8; 2 Corinthians 11:7; Revelation 21:6; 22:17. In Romans 3:24, immediately following God’s pronouncement of our guilt, we have this use of dorean: “Being justified FREELY by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” The gift of salvation is free, and the motive for the gift is nothing more than the grace of the Giver.
2) Charisma, meaning “a gift of grace.” This word is used to define salvation in Romans 5:15-16. Also, in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT [charisma] of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This same word is used in conjunction with the gifts of the Spirit received after salvation (Romans 12:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; 1 Peter 4:10).
Obviously, if something is a “gift of grace,” it cannot be earned. To work for something is to deserve it, and that would produce an obligation—a gift of debt, as it were. That is why works destroy grace (Romans 4:1-5; 11:5-6).
When presenting salvation, the New Testament writers carefully chose words that emphasize grace and freedom. As a result, the Bible could not be more clear—salvation is absolutely free, the true gift of God in Christ, and our only responsibility is to receive the gift by faith (John 1:12; 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).
altruistico 
If you have to do something it is not an ‘absolutely free gift’. If it’s free then everyone already has it regardless of faith or no faith or faith in another deity.
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Hello, cranium, it has been a while. Welcome back to comments on altruistico.
In order for something to be “a gift” it must be offered. But equally important to the gift is “acceptance.” Everyone who has heard of Jesus Christ and what (through) Him is offered has been offered the “free” gift of salvation. Yet, another aspect of any gift is acceptance. Many , Christ tells us, will reject (Him and) the gift. Thus, I think, it takes more “labor” to reject one’s gift (given) than to accept. Therefore, when you say “you have to do something it is not an ‘absolutely free’ gift” then you are correct. One must accept.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours.
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“Therefore, when you say “you have to do something it is not an ‘absolutely free’ gift” then you are correct. One must accept.”
Exactly my point. Then it isn’t a free gift like your post implies. Thanks for answering and for the warm welcome. I look forward to reading more in the future.
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“Acceptance” is not a price paid for or in exchanged for something given. The sovereign grace of God is noted most often by theologians in the matter of election. We see it best explained in Ephesians 1:5-6: “he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” God sovereignly chose those He would save through His gracious act of sending His Son to die on the cross for their salvation. They were unable to save themselves or—like Mary—to merit God’s favor because of their transgression of His Law. “But the Law entered so that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20). Therefore, Christians are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
Thank you, cranium and you are welcome – as always you and your comments are invited and always welcome here…
(P. S.: No “acceptance” or “election” upon your part to do so is required. The offer is freely given. smiling).
Yours through Christ always;
Michael
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