God’s grace … the apostle Paul had much to say on this topic because it is so crucial for us all to understand as Christ-followers.
Listen to Ephesians 2:4-9 …
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (NLT) How did Paul say we are saved? By working hard to do good? By trying hard to not do anything wrong? No, “only by God’s grace.”
Do you tend to mix your own behavior into your salvation? So many people do.
But what did Paul say was the only action we need to take? “God saved you by His grace … when you believed.”
Listen to verses 7 thru 9 in The Message Bible … Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving.
Do you have any past religious beliefs or baggage that taught you somehow you can go in and out of God’s salvation by your behavior on any given day? If that were true, then our salvation would be somewhat up to us, right? Paul is clear it is only up to God … after we believe. Trust.
Here’s a question for your heart … do you think there is anything you can do to make God love you any more? Or any less? This week on grace is all about understanding the amazing truth that He cannot possibly love you more than He does right now.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that all You want is for me to believe and trust You. I am grateful my salvation is not dependent on my behavior and that You will never love me any more or any less than You do right now. As above, so below.”