“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul unwraps the wonderful truth that salvation cannot be generated from within ourselves. Nor can it be earned by our good deeds (Isa. 64:6). Rather, the work of redemption is accomplished in us when we, by faith, embrace God’s gift of immeasurable grace extended to us on the merits of Christ. Then, and only then, is the relationship between the creature and his Creator reinstated.
The giver of this priceless gift of grace is Almighty God himself, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17). Can you fathom a gift of such immeasurable worth, given from One who is infinitely holy… extended to the likes of disobedient, depraved, destitute, and despicable souls as we are?
Indeed, the sin that separates us from our Maker is not just a matter of distance. It is not merely a cloak of spiritual depravity that we wear. Rather, the stark and devastating consequence of the wickedness of our sinful state is nothing short of eternal separation from God. That is to say, left to ourselves we are forever condemned to Satan’s dominion of darkness, sin, and eternal death.
But God sent his grace from heaven to earth, wrapped in the love of his Son, that we might be born again to new life in Christ. This transformational grace infuses life into the spirit, light into the eyes, and hope into the heart of one who was lost but is now found by God. Elisha Williams said, “To be rescued from such a pitiable state, to be spiritually revived by Christ, and to be metaphorically seated with Him in heavenly realms is indeed an enormous blessing.”[1]
Paul underscores the fact that every step of our Christian walk toward salvation and, consequently, sanctification is guided and fueled by God’s matchless, boundless grace… and that even the faith to believe – the foundation on which our relationship with him rests – is given to us from above.
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel the pressure of self-reliance. The notion that we must earn every good thing, including God’s favor, can be misleading and even overwhelming. However, Paul’s reminder is timely: our salvation is not a reward we earn by our deeds but an indescribable gift of grace wrapped in God’s endless love.
As a believer, and as you go about your day, rest in the knowledge that His grace envelopes you, not because of who you are or what you have done, but because of His boundless love for you.
Contemplations:
- Dear Lord, thank you for your immeasurable grace. I acknowledge that my salvation is a gift and not a result of my deeds. Strengthen my heart to always remember this truth.
- Father, in moments of doubt, remind me of your boundless love. Thank you for the gift of faith you’ve blessed me with. Let my trust in you never waver.
- Gracious God, each day reveals more of your love and grace. Guide my steps and enlighten my heart. Help me recognize and cherish these daily blessings.
- Lord, make me a vessel of your grace today. Let my actions reflect your boundless love. May I guide others toward your divine truth through my deeds.
Further References for Ephesians 2:8-9:
John 4:10; Titus 3:5; 2 Tim. 1:9; Acts 15:11
[1] Elisha Williams, Divine Grace Illustrious, in the Salvation of Sinners, (N London i.e., New London, Conn.: Printed and sold by T. Green, printer to the governor & Company, 1728) 1.
