Grace Notes – Gracious Salvation
“For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”
Ephesians 2:8-10 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
Grace, God’s saving grace. This passage clears up any misunderstanding about how we are saved from the penalty of sin. Apart from God working in our hearts, drawing us to Him, we are lost forever and don’t even know it. Grace comes from God, and the clearest expression of grace is shown on the cross, where Jesus Christ laid down His life as a payment for the penalty of sin, my sin, your sin. None of us deserves forgiveness for our sins, but God’s love for us is more powerful, extravagant, and profound than we can imagine.
How are we saved? By grace, working in our hearts to show us how sinful sin is and revealing our need for a Savior. This is where faith comes in. Faith not in ourselves, as Paul reminds us in this passage, but trust in Christ and His gracious death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. God’s grace working in our hearts enables us to receive forgiveness for our sin, knowing that Christ has fully paid the price for us, freeing us from the debt we owed. What are we to do with this amazing gift?
We are saved by grace, not so we could continue to live for ourselves, but to do the work God prepared for us before time began. That’s a long time ago, but God planned for us to do His work, sharing this amazing gift of grace with others. The work we do doesn’t save us; it is evidence of His saving grace in our lives, which should reassure us that we are truly in Christ.
A Touch of Grace:
Have you received saving grace?
What work has God arranged for you to do that reveals His grace at work in you?
Grace Application:
Grace is a powerful gift God desires for us to receive. You see, we can choose to receive this gracious gift or reject it. Let’s say I give you a present I thoughtfully chose, beautifully wrapped, hoping it brings you joy and happiness. Once I give it to you, the choice is yours: open it or put it on a shelf where you can admire the pretty wrapping paper and bow, wondering what’s inside.
We can choose to reject the gift of grace and continue living for what the world offers, risking our eternal life by trusting that doing good works is enough to get us into heaven. Or we can choose to open the gift of grace. God’s grace must be received so its power can begin to do the work that brings saving faith to the receiver. Grace to wash away sin, bring beauty from ashes, strengthen weak faith, heal broken hearts, and live a life that brings God glory.
My prayer is that everyone reading this will choose to receive God’s gift of saving grace.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to you in the gracious name of Jesus Christ, thankful for Your gift of saving grace. Thank you for loving us so deeply. Please help me to do the work You planned so that Your grace is shown to others. May You be glorified in my life. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**