How does this happen in the picture above? Why does chapter 11 end with praise? (Rom. 11:33-36) Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Not only should Romans 11:33-36 be sung to the Lord but these words should never be said of us or anyone but God alone. These things are only true of Him!

How is praise possible? Are there multiple ways for salvation to happen that would end in worship? I’m not a very smart person. I don’t have it all figured out. I am a mess most days. I doubt that I ever help or encourage anyone with anything that I write. Sometimes it’s too long. Sometimes it’s too short. Life and the human element of our limitations are always at play. But if ever you have ever read anything I have written, hear this: no grace, no praise!

Grace is the link, the means, the way, the truth, the beginning and end of how God lovingly works to save us and bring appropriate praise to Himself. Any other way and there is no praise to God. If your salvation does not stir you to worship then you may believe in a false gospel. Paul has written eleven chapters describing the gospel and fittingly, he ends that segment of the letter with praise. That’s amazing and so right! It is what God’s grace does!

Grace is unmerited favor but it is also God’s free choice to set His love on whomever He chooses. It is the beautiful picture of adoption. God is the creator. He has the right to do whatever He pleases with His creation. Everything He does is good and right and holy and just and loving. He is God and we are not. May we give Him praise and honor and glory, forever and ever…amen!