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The Benefits of Grace

Psalms 103:1-5 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

            One of the first questions an applicant will ask a prospective employer is “what are the benefits to the employee?”  Do you have insurance coverage?  What are the retirement benefits?  In the study of scripture you learn there are many benefits available to the believer through the grace of God.

            The word “benefit” is defined as “something advantageous or good; an advantage.”[i]  Psalms 103:1-5 lists the following benefits:
  • Forgiveness of all iniquities – verse 3
  • Healing of all our diseases – verse 3
  • Redeems our lives from destruction – verse 4
  • Crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies – verse 4
  • Satisfies our mouths with good things – verse 5
  • Renews our youth like the eagle – verse 5

When the Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians he makes this statement about the Gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”  The New English Translation reads, “To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all.” 

There are numerous benefits available to those who love and live for the Lord.  We have a covenant with God.  He is a faithful God and keeps His word.  Hebrews 8:6 reveals, this covenant is a better covenant built on better promises. Our benefits are a result of His covenant promises.

God longs to bless His children.  In John 10:10 one of the benefits available to the believer is abundant life.  We serve a good God.  James 1:17 reads, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” 

We will be recipients of these benefits as we walk in the light as we allow Him to guide us by His Spirit.  The Psalmist wrote in Psalms 16:11, “you will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” 

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