Thankfulness is a central theme in the Christian life, deeply rooted in the acknowledgment of God's holiness and His divine attributes. The act of giving thanks is not merely a response to blessings received but is fundamentally an expression of reverence and recognition of God's holy nature.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently calls believers to offer thankfulness as a remembrance of God's holiness. In Psalm 30:4 , the psalmist exhorts, "Sing to the LORD, O you His saints, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness." This verse highlights the intrinsic connection between thankfulness and the acknowledgment of God's holy character. The call to sing and give thanks is not just for the benefits received but is a response to the very nature of God, who is holy and worthy of praise.

Holiness and Thankfulness

God's holiness is a defining attribute that sets Him apart from all creation. It encompasses His purity, righteousness, and absolute moral perfection. In recognizing God's holiness, believers are reminded of His sovereignty and the perfect nature of His will. This recognition naturally leads to a posture of thankfulness, as it acknowledges that all things are under His divine control and purpose.

In 1 Chronicles 16:29 , the call to worship is intertwined with the call to thankfulness: "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." Here, the act of worship, which includes thankfulness, is directly linked to the splendor of God's holiness. The offering of thanks is a response to the glory and majesty of God, who is holy and deserving of all honor.

Expressions of Thankfulness

Thankfulness as a remembrance of God's holiness can be expressed in various forms, including prayer, worship, and daily living. In prayer, believers are encouraged to approach God with a heart of gratitude, acknowledging His holy nature and the grace He extends. Philippians 4:6 instructs, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This verse underscores the importance of incorporating thankfulness into our prayers, recognizing God's holiness and His provision.

In worship, thankfulness is expressed through songs, hymns, and spiritual songs that exalt God's holy name. Colossians 3:16 states, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Worship becomes a powerful expression of thankfulness when it is rooted in the remembrance of God's holiness.

Living a Life of Thankfulness

Living a life of thankfulness involves a continual remembrance of God's holiness in everyday actions and decisions. It is a lifestyle that reflects an understanding of God's holy nature and His work in the world. Ephesians 5:20 encourages believers to be "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse calls for a perpetual attitude of thankfulness, rooted in the recognition of God's holiness and His sovereign will.

In summary, thankfulness should be offered as a remembrance of God's holiness, acknowledging His divine nature and the perfect work He accomplishes in and through His creation. This thankfulness is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting a heart that is attuned to the holiness of God and His eternal purposes.Psalm 30:4
Sing to the LORD, O you saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 97:12
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Nave's Topical Index

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... abundantly I love you, the less I should be loved ... and the daily occasions that are
offered you, to ... to your promises, you show forth your thankfulness, not only ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/thankfulness for mercies received a.htm

The New Covenant.
... For "thankfulness" we must write "conscience," and substitute forgiveness ... not have
ceased to be offered, because the ... blood of bulls and goats should take away ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

The Death of the Saviour the End of all Sacrifices.
... sin, and at the same time filled with thankfulness for the ... And we desire that you
should all note these words ... it to His sacrifice, which He once offered for sin ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/xiv the death of the.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Bride, with what ornaments she should be adorned, [885 ... Catechumens, do not benefit
by remembrance in the ... Charms (see [909]Amulets) , offered in sickness, [910 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

The Righteousness of Faith
... that, by the oblation of himself once offered, he had ... 3. You should farther consider,
that the righteousness of ... our wisdom to accept it with all thankfulness. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 6 the righteousness of.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... His own prayers had not been offered without thanksgiving ... but when we reach the
condition of thankfulness, then is ... and said, "Sir, you say we should always pray ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

The Life and Passion of Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr.
... And now let us return with thankfulness to what I had ... of the officers ("Tesserarius"),
who had formerly been a Christian, offered him his ... Why should we say more ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/the life and passion of.htm

A Last Look-Out
... When there was a burnt-sacrifice offered, the bullock or ... Paul is resolved to show
his thankfulness to Christ ... know, therefore, that if the body should drop off ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a last look-out.htm

Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion
... rule, burnt offering was only to be offered there ... all the pores of our body made
mouths of thankfulness. ... his work"that body, soul, and spirit should be thrown ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/praises and vows accepted in.htm

Introduction.
... for our one atoning Sacrifice has been once offered; and by ... and to be received with
sincere thankfulness; but, with ... has she not, that Christ's bride should have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/introduction.htm

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