Saved By Grace
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9
“8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 (New International Version)
Paul reminds us that we have not earned our standing with God. Salvation is available only because of God’s grace provided by the death of Jesus on the cross. It is entirely initiated and freely given by God alone. Grace is a gift, and a gift, by definition, is free – it cannot be bought or earned, only accepted. Grace is best understood as unearned, undeserved favor. As with any gift given to us, our job is simply to receive it. (For a powerful video on God’s Grace, go here: https://skitguys.com/videos/grace ).
While Salvation is about God’s work and not ours, it doesn’t mean the way we live our new life in Christ is unimportant. A change of attitude and behavior is hugely important in the lives of Christ-followers. We need to understand that our new Christ-like behavior is part of our secure acceptance as part of God’s family. Good behavior doesn’t save us, but it’s because we have been saved that we should want to do good works. Saving us is God’s work. He had Christ die on the cross to pay the penalty for all our sins. Our new behavior – what the Bible calls “works” – shows our love for God and our gratitude for the grace He freely gives to us.
Prayer:
God, thank you for your grace. We don’t deserve it, but you still want to give it. Please allow the fact that you have saved us from our sins to change the way we live our lives so that we can share what you have done for us with others, eventually changing their lives.
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!
