IN GRATITUDE FOR THE GRACE OF GOD

IN GRATITUDE FORTHE GRACE OF GOD

By Rev Lim Kim Hock

As we come to celebrate God’s grace over these 60 years in Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, we are reminded of how God has provided for us. Through the gift of land by Mdm. Ammal, and subsequently others who gave funds generously, we have a building site which today stands as the place of worship for all of us at Redeemer. We also thank God for all the pastors He had provided through the years.

Even as we consider His marvelous provision, I am reminded of Ephesians 2:4-7 “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

It is through Jesus Christ that the grace of God becomes evident in our lives. The following are whatwe receive in Christ:

1. THE FORGIVENESS OF SINSIn him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance withthe riches of God’s grace. Eph.1:7

We are all sinners who need to pay for our sins. Just as a criminal who cannot use his good deeds to absolve himself of his crimes, we cannot just use our good works to pay for our sins. However, Jesus has paid for our sins when he died on the cross. Before God, we stand as those acquitted/ justified because our sins have been paid for. We no longer need to stand in dread of the Day of Judgment nor fear the condemnation that awaits all who have to answer for their sins.

In fact, we are reminded every Sunday that God is faithful and He forgives us when we confess our sinsand hear the words of absolution. Whenever we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we are also remindedthat all our sins are forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice.

2.THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith Gal.3:26

Previously, we were sinners, unwanted and unworthy, but through Christ our standing changed. We are now treasured and precious in the sight of God. We can confidently enter the throne of grace in prayer and address God as “Abba, Father” knowing that he hears our prayers. We have a direct relationship with God, a sense of belonging to the household of God, knowing that there is a family to share our joys and burdens.

3. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance … Eph.1:13,14a Peter replied, “repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Without the Holy Spirit in our lives, there is no way we can come to know God or do anything worthwhile. Living the Christian life will be impossible! That is why the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential and needful. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit who helps us in our weaknesses, especially when we pray or face temptations. He fills us with understanding, faith, courage, love and joy.

4. A LIVING HOPE In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1 Pet.1:3b For in this hope we were saved….And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom. 8:24a, 28

In these days, when we are faced with uncertainties over all forms of disasters and diseases, there is not much one can look forward to. Death can come suddenly to those who are least prepared. However, for those of us who look forward to his coming, we can say like Paul, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.”

Personally, I am reminded of the times I nearly died in the swimming pool; from hepatitis; from denguefever and just recently, from a car accident. It seems that life hangs on by a thread, but all our livesdepend on God’s will. And it is by his grace that we live to serve God.

Yet, a time will come when all of us will meet our Lord and Maker. May this living hope carry us throughthe finishing line to the presence of God.