How can understanding our past "trespasses" deepen our gratitude for salvation? Setting the Scene: Dead Made Alive “ When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses.” (Colossians 2:13) The Weight of Trespasses Unpacked • Dead means utterly powerless—no spark of spiritual life, no self-rescue possible • Trespasses are willful steps off God’s path, not minor missteps • “All” stresses nothing overlooked; every sinful choice is on the ledger • The uncircumcision of the flesh underscores distance from God, outside His covenant family Related passages • Ephesians 2:1-3—“You were dead in your trespasses and sins … children of wrath” • Romans 5:8—“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” • Psalm 32:1-2—joy described only after sin is acknowledged and forgiven Forgiveness: The Heart of the Gospel • God initiates: “God made you alive” • Union with Christ: our spiritual resurrection is tied to His literal, bodily resurrection • Total pardon: “He forgave us all” leaves no lingering guilt for the believer • Legal debt canceled (Colossians 2:14)—the record of wrongs nailed to the cross Gratitude Grows in the Soil of Memory Remembering where we were sharpens appreciation for where we stand now • From death to life—every breath of spiritual vitality is a gift • From distance to intimacy—adoption replaces alienation • From condemnation to acceptance—no charge can stick to the forgiven (Romans 8:1) • From slavery to freedom—sin’s power broken (1 Peter 2:24) Practical Ways to Cultivate Thankfulness • Read salvation narratives (Luke 7:36-50; Acts 9) and trace God’s mercy thread • Keep a written record of personal deliverances and answered prayers • Sing psalms and hymns that recount the cross (Psalm 103; “And Can It Be”) • Serve others out of overflow—gratitude fuels sacrificial love (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) • Share your testimony, spotlighting God’s grace rather than past glory days Living Thankfulness Day to Day The more clearly past trespasses are seen through the lens of Scripture, the brighter the grace of Christ shines. Memory becomes a springboard, moving the heart from mere acknowledgment to deep, enduring gratitude for the salvation fully accomplished and freely given. |
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