“How can I repay the Lord for all the good he has done for me? I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” (vv. 12-13)

When it comes to the Gospel—the Good News of the gift of grace, given in Christ, received by faith—there is one overriding and fundamental truth:

You cannot earn it. It cannot be purchased, worked for, or otherwise obtained. It is only ever a gift, only ever mercy.

You cannot pay for it, for it was paid by Jesus.

You can, however, repay it.

Wait a minute, Pastor Tyler…that doesn’t sound quite right.

You’re right.

But let’s work with the language if the Psalms.

When the Psalmist accounts for all of God’s mercy and compassion and grace—and when he praises the One who hears prayers and rescues the repentant—he comes to the end if himself: How in the world can I repay God for all of this? How can I respond with anything worthwhile?

Then, in the Spirit, it hits him:

I can only repay God’s gift—I can only respond rightly—by receiving it.

You are not asked to give God anything but your faith. He has afforded salvation for you. The only question is, Will you receive it? Will you call on Him in worship? Will you, because of what faith has afforded for you, live faithfully?

How can repay the LORD?

I will take the cup of salvation.

The best way to honor God’s goodness is to receive His saving gift…and live for His glory.

— Tyler