Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.
This is such an important starting point for so many discussions. Entire denominations differ in how ”good works” are viewed. I believe we are asked, as saved Christians, to do good works. When we do these works in God’s name, we leave behind the fragrance of Christ. But it is God’s free gift of salvation, free through his grace, which came first. We do not earn His grace by doing good things. We could never, ever hope to earn His grace. His grace came before we even knew about Him. His grace led us to Him, to Christ.
Father God, your grace was first and foremost, and I am so thankful. Through your grace you led me to you and have offered me the promise of eternal life. Amen
Becky, transforming
Ephesians 2:8-9 When we have been given the gift of salvation god expects us in return to serve others with kindness, love and gentleness. These acts should not be done simply to please ourselves, but to do so for the benefit of our salvation. God did this simply so that no one could boast. Just imagine If salvation was the task of men in any way, we surely could boast about it. But under God’s plan of salvation, God alone receives the glory. While there is no action or work I can do to earn my salvation, God’s intention is to empower me to respond with gratitude , praise and joy. Lord, empower me each and everyday to use your gif…
Ephesians 2: 8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
God’s love for me is sometimes difficult for me to understand. God’s love is in his doing something for me. God showed me mercy and compassion. He has forgiven me. God’s love is in his actions toward me. He sent his son in order for my sins to be forgiven. God changed me for the better by giving me the gift of grace and the faith in Jesus Christ and the salvation of my soul. God loves me.
Dearest Lord, thank you for loving me so much.…
Ephesians 2:8-9. God saved you by his Grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a GIFT from God. ….. All of the translations of this verse I have read use the word gift when speaking of salvation. The word gift implies much of both the giver and the receiver. As a gift giver, Paul reminds us that Gods gift is free, no strings attached and it is the gift God knows we need. As the receiver of a gift, we should accept it knowing it was so sacrificially given. We didn’t have to work for it. We didn’t earn it. But it is ours. We should unwrap it and be thankful. Prayer. gracious God, this v…
Ephesians 2:8-9 - “ . . . so that no one can boast.” Boasting about good works done is something humankind has made an art form. Awards are bestowed. Statues are erected. Buildings, streets and bridges are named. my point is not that recognition of philanthropy is a bad thing, but if we believe all good things come from God, all our awards, statues, building, street and bridge names should somehow reflect that reality. Silly, perhaps, but this passage reminds me of the human capacity for self-aggrandizement when it is the limitless grace of God for which we should be giving never-ending thanks.
Prayer - Gracious God, I offer humble thanks to You for the grace that led to faith for…