“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
Salvation Is God’s Work – Our salvation is NOT in response to any good works that we may or may not have done. The Father did not send the Lord Jesus to die for us because we kept begging and pleading with Him to do so. It was by His grace alone.
Salvation Is God’s Work In God’s Way – Faith is the channel through which salvation flows from God to us. It is like an aqueduct through which the living water of God’s saving grace flows to us. No amount of human effort or good deeds or giving of our resources can buy God’s favor. It is, pure and simply, a gift. An incredible gift that is absolutely free. And yet it came at a great cost.
Salvation Is God’s Work In God’s Way, According To God’s Will – A look at verse 10 tells us that God has created us with indescribable uniqueness and value. We have not improved ourselves by taking on a new set of morals and standards. We are new creations in Christ. The Christian life is not simply a changed life but an exchanged life.
When believers begin to understand the concept of GRACE, we go from being religious people who are trying to earn God’s favor through good works to being grateful people who live obediently and love lavishly in response to what He has already DONE!