In 1999 a compelling movie called The Matrix came out. In it, the life people experience is not actual reality but a false experience generated by a computer. The main character uncovers true reality and faces the challenge of living in it.
This movie brings to mind something Christians face. The earthly world functions on a work-and-reward system, yet our relationship to God is based on a grace system. He does not call us to work for His acceptance and love, but to receive it by faith. For many of us, this is simply too hard to believe.
Because of sin, no one on earth is able to do pleasing enough work to be acceptable to God. God did not abandon us, though. Instead He sent Jesus to live a perfect life and die a criminal’s death to pay for our sin. What Jesus Himself proclaimed, “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16), has come true!
No wonder Scripture is full of rejoicing! We do not have to work for the best and most important things in life; we receive them as a gift.