“Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!”

2 Corinthians 9:15

I don’t need to convince anyone of the fact that people experience moral failings. Every human being is inherently wired with a conscience that experiences incontestable right and wrong. Every one of us, “show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness” (Rom. 2:15).

But with this fact, we must remember that God is able to move a person from moral brokenness to redemptive beauty! This is where God’s grace provides new beginnings and genuine fulfillment. God always offers forgiveness followed by the opportunity and the resources to start again. Jesus Christ provides the inner resources that gives us the beauty that God intends for all of us.

Sin causes emotional weight, and that weight is removed by God’s forgiveness as characterized by inward peace and grace that is not a temporary or therapeutic fix. The deep seated peace and grace of God is not conjured up by human invention. The great American pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards explains this perfectly, “These are principles which are of a new and spiritual nature, vastly nobler and more excellent than all that is in natural man.” The power of God’s peace and grace is only applied by the work of the Holy Spirit by way of repentance!

The experience of God’s forgiveness has transcended time, cultures, and it has persevered over philosophical and psychological thought throughout history.

I think it’s incredible how God’s grace can strengthen us to go the extra step – forgive ourselves from our self-inflicted burdens. C. S. Lewis commented in a personal letter to a friend, “I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than Him.”

The beauty of God’s forgiveness is this – it’s absolutely free! As Paul shouted, “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift” (2 Cor. 9:15). So why is God so generous? What’s the catch? Nothing at all! In fact, it shows us that He loves us unconditionally! Paul explained it this way, “God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Roman 5:8).

God desires that we be renewed in our minds and that we walk in the path He intends for us, “for to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Roman 8:6).

And that’s the greatest news for the greatest sinner!

Pressing On Together!

Pastor Dave