“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” – Romans 3:23-24 (NKJV)
The Bible says in Colossians 1:14 that in Jesus, we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
We have our familiar ways of doing things and often think they are the best, but God has His way, and that is really what is best for us. We tend to think we can work hard and earn what we want, but God, knowing fully well that we can never earn what we need, gives it to us as a gift. That is a fact we need to be cognisant of at all times.
The Apostle Paul urges us to joyfully give thanks to God the Father, Who has already qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints, His people. God has already saved us from the power of darkness and has already brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves (Colossians 1:12-13). These are remarkable things that God has already done for us. Isn’t it incredible that He isn’t promising to do it for you but has already done it?
Apostle Paul reminds us that what we now have is redemption. We don’t have to wonder if it will ever come. It’s already achieved. And this, to me, is reason enough to celebrate! Imagine we have forgiveness of sins; it is already ours today and always. It sets us completely free from the guilt and shame the enemy wants us to harbour. We are free to live for God!
These gifts are available to us because of Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection. And only when we are in Christ Jesus are these gifts ours. Specifically, we must identify ourselves with Him. It is necessary to align our lives to His, accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, and live for Him.
We are full of joy and thanksgiving! Let’s joyfully give thanks to God, the Father!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we receive and celebrate your gifts with a grateful heart and joyful thanksgiving. With joy, we choose to share them with others, as well. Thank You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Romans 3:21-26; Colossians 1:12-14
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 51:1-9; Luke 22:63-71; Luke 23:1-25; Joshua 8; Joshua 9:1-15
