The concept of "The Divine Offer" in Christian theology refers to the gracious invitation extended by God to humanity for salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. This offer is central to the message of the Gospel and is rooted in the love and mercy of God, who desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Biblical Foundation

The Divine Offer is grounded in the narrative of Scripture, beginning with the fall of humanity in Genesis and culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In Genesis 3, after Adam and Eve's disobedience, God promises a future Redeemer (Genesis 3:15), setting the stage for the unfolding plan of salvation.

The Old Testament is replete with foreshadowing of this offer through covenants and prophecies. The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3) and the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:5-6) reveal God's desire to establish a relationship with His people. The prophets, such as Isaiah, speak of a coming Messiah who will bring salvation (Isaiah 53).

In the New Testament, the Divine Offer is fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 encapsulates this offer: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus Himself extends this invitation, saying, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Nature of the Offer

The Divine Offer is characterized by several key attributes:

1. Universality: The offer is extended to all people, regardless of race, nationality, or social status. Romans 10:13 affirms, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

2. Grace: It is an offer of grace, not based on human merit but on God's unmerited favor. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."

3. Faith: Acceptance of the Divine Offer requires faith in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

4. Repentance: Genuine acceptance involves repentance, a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. Acts 3:19 urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away."

5. Eternal Life: The ultimate promise of the Divine Offer is eternal life with God. John 10:28 assures believers, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand."

Response to the Offer

The response to the Divine Offer is a matter of personal decision. Scripture presents both the blessings of acceptance and the consequences of rejection. In Revelation 3:20 , Jesus declares, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me."

Conversely, those who reject the offer face eternal separation from God, as described in passages like Matthew 25:46 : "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Conclusion

The Divine Offer remains a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing God's love, grace, and desire for a restored relationship with humanity through Jesus Christ. It calls for a response of faith and repentance, promising eternal life to those who accept it.