Ephesians 2:9
“not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
It's salvation that is not as a result of works. This creates a collective sigh of relief. This is because it's not possible on our own. No one will be in heaven by their own efforts. God had to do it. He not only did it, but but did it lovingly and willingly.
On the cross He said, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." What a contrast, the willful hatred of man verses the love of God. His forgiveness can come in a moment. The second thief on the cross was cursing Jesus at the start, but Jesus won Him over. Not long after, he asked Jesus to remember him when He came into his kingdom. Jesus' wonderful response was "Today you will be with me in paradise." The thief's lifetime of bad works was forgiven in an instant.
The hymn says, "Amazing love how can it be that Thou my God would die for me." One measure of His love is His keeping power. Romans 8:39 says, "neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Another collective sigh. He keeps all of the world working, so He can keep us.
His forgiveness is also done without works. We don't need penance or a promise never to do it again. I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Just ask sincerely.
God initiated this while we were not on good terms with Him. Romans 5:8 says, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." In verse 10 of Romans it says we were His enemies. This makes His love even greater. Verse 7 gives us an even darker title, enemies. In the hour of His greatest pain and deepest vulnerability, people mocked Him. Some examples are: "He healed others, let Him heal himself" and "If You are the Christ, come down from the cross". God did all of this out of love in hope that we would turn to Him.
Lord, thank You for all You do for us. We couldn't have done it without You. Such great love. Even when we were enemies warring against You, the Loving sacrifice continued. Our works couldn't have done it. Thank You.