Thanks Be to God for the Victory

Paul has just been writing about the greatest enemies we face, sin and death, and the sting they carry. And then, in triumph, he breaks into thanksgiving: But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Notice the little word "gives." The victory over sin and death is not something we achieved, won, or earned by our struggle; it is something God gives us, freely, through Jesus Christ. The conquest was His; the gift is ours; the thanks is His due.

This is gratitude for the deepest deliverance of all. We give thanks for many rescues, from danger, from illness, from trouble, but here is the rescue beneath them all: victory over sin, which enslaved us, and over death, which terrified us. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, both have been defeated, and that victory is given to all who are in Him. The grave that once had the final word now has no sting; sin that once held us in chains has lost its dominion. And it is all of grace, a victory given, not won by us.

Whatever battles you face today, give thanks for the war already won. The decisive victory over sin and death is yours in Christ, a gift to be received with everlasting thanks.