Rather than grumbling about all the things missing in our lives, we should instead be thankful we don’t get what we deserve. What we deserve is death; for “the wages of sin is death… (Rm. 6:23). Since “all have sinned” (Rm. 3:23), we ought to be thankful that in Christ we do not get what we truly deserve.
While some try to redefine sin, the Bible simply tells us that sin is “the transgression of the law” (1 Jn. 3:4). Sin is not determined by popular opinion, but by the word of God. God rebukes those who call “evil good and good evil” (Is. 5:20). Rather than twisting the Bible to mean what we want it to mean, we should change our lives into conformity with its pattern.
Deliverance from the penalty of sin involves knowing and obeying the truth. Jesus said, “the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). Only the truth, as it is embodied in Christ and His word, can set us free from the penalty of sin. However, we must apply His word in obedient faith. Paul tells us that we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). Faith is the means by which grace is appropriated. Biblical faith is known by its obedience (Jas. 2:18). Therefore, ours must be a faith that works through love (Gal. 5:6).
Grace is a wonderful concept. But, grace is not cheap. It must not be taken for granted. Grace and gratitude are inseparably connected. Those who have been sufficiently impressed by the grace of God will respond with overflowing expressions of thankfulness and love.
Rather than grumbling about life’s difficulties, we must focus instead on the grace of God extended to us through Jesus Christ. It is only then that we come to realize how grateful we are about not getting what we really deserve.
— Glen Elliott —