How do we know that salvation is a blessing from God?

Salvation is recognized as a profound blessing from God because it stems from God's eternal plan and sovereign will. In 2 Corinthians 5:19, we are reminded that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting our sins against us. This demonstrates the grace inherent in salvation, where our sins are laid upon Jesus, our substitute, and we receive His righteousness. Psalm 32:1 proclaims, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."

This blessed state of salvation is not a vague hope but a concrete reality for those who believe in Christ. It is confirmed by the Spirit's work in our lives, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 1:4, that Paul knew the election of the Thessalonian believers based on the power of the gospel that came to them. The assurance of salvation acts as evidence of God's blessing, binding our hearts to Christ in a genuine and irrevocable union.