“But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered” (Romans 6:17).

When one obeys the gospel of Christ, it is truly a great reason for thanksgiving!   Let’s consider why God is to be thanked.

First, we thank God for providing a way to receive salvation.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Second, we thank God when one is willing to receive the word of God.

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Third, we thank God that one, not only receives the word of God, but is also willing to believe His word and obey His commandments.

“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).
“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” (Acts 2:38).
“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
“And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).

Fourth, we thank God that we, who are Christians, have the blessing of continuing to obey and the blessing of encouraging and praying for others who obey the gospel.

“And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).
“but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13).
“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you” (Colossians 1:3)

Fifth, we thank God for this wonderful gift of His Son and the salvation He offers.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15)!

By Dena Ivie
Dena and her husband, Charles serve with the church in Tatum, NM. Charles is the pulpit minister for the congregation of about 20 members from the local area. There are more articles by Dena on the ladies’ page of their website at http://tcoc.atspace.org/ladies.html