In yesterday’s devotion I mentioned the Newsboys. They have been around for quite a while, and I really enjoy some of their songs. The message of one in particular stands out for me. It came out over 30 years ago and was entitled “A Real Good Thing.” The refrain is especially meaningful to me:

When we don’t get what we deserve
That’s a real good thing, a real good thing
When we get what we don’t deserve
That’s a real good thing, a real good thing

 I think this a wonderful description of God’s grace. We don’t get what we deserve for our sin, which is condemnation and separation from God for all eternity. That is what sin deserves. But we don’t get that because Jesus paid the penalty for us, and God gives that payment freely to anyone who puts their faith in Jesus. That’s a real good thing.

We get what we don’t deserve, which is forgiveness, life everlasting, salvation, the certainty of heaven. We don’t earn it, but it is given to those who are led to faith by the Holy Spirit. Jesus earned it for us, which is the only way we could ever get it. That’s a real good thing.

Ephesians 2:8–9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.

God’s grace is a real good thing.

You can listen to the entire song here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcWQy3dlKak