What makes Christians most grateful?
… giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the Saints in light. He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Revised Standard Version) Colossians l:12-14.
Believers in Jesus
Christ share three great reasons for thanksgiving. They have an inheritance, a deliverance, and a transference.
Their inheritance is a heavenly one not tarnished by the shifting tides of societal opinion. Their inheritance is that which is shared with all the saints who by grace have believed upon the saving blood of Jesus Christ. This inheritance, says Peter in the first chapter is one that is undefiled, unspoiled, unfading, reserved in heaven for all who are kept by God’s power through faith. We need faith alone in Him to save. We need faith alone in Him to remove the piles of sins lined up against us. Can you put a value on an inheritance like this? What does an inheritance you receive in this life compare to the one God has reserved for believers in heaven?
Secondly, Christians are most thankful because of their deliverance. By God’s power, the Father sent the Son to deliver us out of the clutches of sin, death Satan, and Hell. The
Holy Spirit worked in our baptism by water and the word. At that moment we were delivered from the devil, the punishment we rightfully deserve, and given power to live according to God’s plan.
Finally, we have been transferred. No one is bankrupt whose confidence is in Jesus alone for forgiveness. Daily we sin unconsciously and consciously and look to His kind word of restoration. Though your sins be as scarlet (Is. 1) they shall be as white as snow. Christ’s works of holiness have been transferred to our empty accounts so that the Father is pleased with our works.
In this season of Thanksgiving let us be truly grateful that our God; Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit has worked saving faith into our hearts. Faith to believe that we have an inheritance, a deliverance, and a transference. Why not tell someone about this marvelous reason for being thankful and invite them to church where we hear this good news again and again. To God be the glory great things He has done!
See you Sunday with a thankful heart.
(Grace Lutheran Church is located at 711 N. Fowler St. Bishop. Sunday services are at 10:45 a.m. Mammoth Lakes Lutheran Church is located at 379 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth. Sunday service is at 8:45 a.m. For more information, call (760) 872-9791.)