The other day I was listening to a wonderful hymn; How Deep the Father’s Love for Us, written by Stuart Townend. The third verse’s line gripped my heart:
“Why Should I Gain From His Reward?”
This song captures the heart and wonder of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not questioning God’s goodness but marveling at the extent of God’s grace.
We are raised in a world that teaches us, that any reward in life is earned by actions and works. In school, we study to receive a good grade. In sports, we train to win a trophy. At work, we labor for a salary. But, the good news of the gospel flips this reasoning upside down.
Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, no one could ever live. He died a death we deserve for our sin. He rose again from death to life in victory over the grave. Jesus, in His finished work, earned the reward of eternal glory, honor, and the joy of His Father. And in mercy, shares that reward freely with those who believe in Him.
Why should any gain from His reward? According to God’s Word, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because God is infinitely holy and just there is a consequence for sin. “For the wages of sin is death, (Romans 6:23). Standing before God reveals that my record is one that is stained with sin, filled with pride, and my best work ever has fallen short of God’s holy standard.
But, here’s the staggering truth: God does not save any because of work done. God saves because of the work that Christ has done. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” For our sake the Heavenly Father placed our guilt on Christ and credited His righteousness to us through faith in Jesus.
This means, when God the Father looks at a believer, He sees Christ’s righteousness and not a record of sin. The rest of Romans 6:23 quoted above follows; “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord“. The “gain” we received, that is not deserved, is the reward Jesus earned: eternal life, peace, fellowship with God the Father, and never ending and ever growing joy. Not because it was gained by works, but because He freely gives it.
This helps us understand that the gospel is ‘not tips on how to improve one’s life.’ It is glorious news of what God has already done to save. Isn’t this quite humbling? If we did not earn it, we cannot boast about it.
When I sing that line, “Why should I gain from His reward?” I am reminded that grace is not fair, because fairness would leave me condemned to death. Grace gives me what Christ earned. This is why I will spend eternity praising Him and I pray that you will too.
The hymn answers its own question:
“Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer, but this I know with all my heart—His wounds have paid my ransom.”
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Paul
So true. Thank you
Excellent way to share the good news.