Expectations exceeded. When we stop and consider our relationship with the LORD, we likely are amazed. How could such a gift be given? We who rebel against God so willfully have had the LORD make the Way back to Him. Why would God ever make this possible when at the that time we had no respect for Him?
The salutation to the Galatians begins with ‘Grace and Peace’ to you from God which is two qualities sinners have no right to before God but then Paul explains that possibility. ‘Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from’ is the provision, the remedy, the Rescuer of God on our behalf. It was not some whimsical act for it was the determinate decision of the LORD’s will that Jesus would remove the barrier so that we may approach the righteous God. For that, we who accept the deliverance, give God ‘the glory forever and ever.’ It is all God before we have any hope of restoration.
‘He gave Himself’ is one of those impactful revelations beyond our comprehension. We had no right to think that another would die in our place and certainly not the holy, perfect, sinless God. We have been liberated from the eternal consequence of our own acts by One who had no reason to enter in on our behalf other than the LORD loves us.
LORD, we thank You for the Grace and Peace You have given in Jesus. Amen