Christians should regularly pause to give thanks for God sending His Son to earth. There are many blessings we could not know if He had not come.
For instance, if Jesus had not come to earth, there would be no Gospel. The Gospel is God’s power to salvation (Romans 1:16). Paul described it when he wrote, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
If Jesus had not come, there would be no church. Jesus told His disciples that He would build His church on the rock, the foundational fact that He is the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:18). Paul instructed, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:25-26).
There would be no hope if Jesus had not come. “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27; Romans 5:1-2).
There would be no forgiveness if the Lord had not come. Redemption from sin and forgiveness are only found in Jesus’ blood (Ephesians 1:7). Paul’s instructions on forgiveness include, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Salvation from sin is only available because Jesus came. Peter told the rulers, elders, scribes and priests, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Paul recognized his own struggle with sinful desire and exclaimed, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25a).
Let us rejoice and give thanks because Jesus came. The Gospel, the church, hope, forgiveness and salvation are all available to those who submit to His Lordship!
[Editor’s Note: It’s not really submission to Jesus Christ if one does not obey Him (Hebrews 5:8-9)—on His terms (Mark 16:16)! “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46 NKJV). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
