After recognizing the grace that God has brought to them, [Ezra] turns around and he says,
Brian Borgmannow in light of all of that grace that you have shown to us, what can we possibly say in light of our sins?I would suggest that our worst sins have been committed since we have become Christians. Because when you are a Christian, your eyes are opened. When you are a Christian, you have tasted the grace of God. When you are a Christian, you know the experience of being forgiven by the Holy God; you know the love of the Saviour; you know the power and conviction of his Spirit. When we sin, we sin against that grace. So when I am dead in trespasses and sins, and blind, and just madly running this sinful race, I do not know any better. I am still culpable and responsible, but I do not know any better. But when I get taken from darkness into light...I know better. So my sins as a Christian are far worse and far more grievous. Why? Because we sin against God's grace.1
8 But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery.