Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Psalm 50:14-15
The Psalmist tells us God greatly delights in the praise of His children. Praise and obedience bring God's favor and give us that clear conscience that He hears our prayers. However, God makes a clear distinction between the man who obeys and praises, and the wicked who have no regard for His commandments. He tells us of the characteristics of evil men who presume upon His grace. A wise man fears God and keeps his commandments. He experiences God's deliverance, and the wicked only get destruction.
God's Word tells of His judgment and holiness, yet it also tells of His love and forbearance. It is not to simply say those without Christ deserve judgment because without Christ's sacrifice we would be in the same position - outside of a relationship with Him. It is for us to obey and praise Him for what He has done for us, and also to warn the wicked of the position they are in before God. It is a reminder of what we were without Christ, and the new creation we are in Him.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 2:17
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