I was doing my reading for Systematic Theology, contemplating common grace and the difference between common and saving grace, when it hit me.
Common grace, the undeserved blessings God bestows on all men, means that for the unbeliever, this life on earth is as good as it’ll ever get.
Saving grace, the undeserved blessing of salvation bestowed upon those who believe, means that for the believer, this life on earth is as bad as it’ll ever get.
What a sobering and joyful reality.
This week I’m thankful…
…for air in my lungs–and in those of my unbelieving neighbors and coworkers
…for medicine from the pharmacy, prepared by unbelieving hands
…for books, written by unbelieving minds
…for music, the expression of unbelieving souls (beautiful nevertheless)
…for cars and gasoline, brainchild and craft of myriads of unbelieving men
…for computers and blog platforms, built and sustained by unbelievers
…for God, who in His infinite grace made me beneficiary of both common and saving grace
All of it undeserved, thousands of blessings unmerited.
Why am I not struck dead on the spot? Why do subatomic particles repel and attract in just the right measure? Why does the universe continue holding together? Why does art and science flourish?
Why do I have hope for a life beyond this world?
Certainly not because of me.
I am thankful for God’s grace, poured out on His merit alone.
…for