Amazing Grace!
By George Stroh
July 18, 2011
"In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)
Each week I have the privilege of sharing the gospel, the good news with people who don't yet know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As the Apostle Paul wrote; "Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation." (Romans:10:1). Sometimes God, in accordance with His marvelous love, grace and mercy, opens someone's spiritual ears to hear the truth, believe and be saved. What great joy for the new believer, and all of the saints who have obediently witnessed and prayed for his or her salvation! And to God be the glory!
In His parable of The Lost Coin, Jesus says in Luke 15:10; "...there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." While this verse is often interpreted to mean that angels rejoice when someone is saved, I think it more likely that it is God Himself who expresses joy when one who was once lost repents and is now saved (...there is joy in the presence of the angels of God). However, I'm sure that both God and the angels rejoice when someone repents and believes the amazing gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Unlike fallen humans, God has not provided a way of forgiveness and salvation for fallen angels; "For assuredly He does not give help to angels..." (Hebrews 2:16). The holy angels of God are amazed at God's great mercy towards us and want to better understand the gospel;"...these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-- things into which angels long to look." (1 Peter:1:12).
God and His angels rejoice when someone repents and believes the gospel because; "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:3,4)
When someone repents, is saved and becomes part of the family of God through faith alone in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, there is great rejoicing in heaven!
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now
am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Amazing Grace indeed!... Maranatha!
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