This week’s devotions are based on Week 3 of the Series Ephesians: Becoming Who You Are (CLICK HERE)
Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
This verse is one that you have probably memorized at some point in your Christian life. As Lutheran pastor, I have used this verse many times to iterate the truth that our salvation is 100% God’s doing and not my doing. To claim otherwise would negate grace and claim a boast that is not mine.
While the verse is familiar, perhaps it is worth a few minutes of careful reflection.
“It is by grace you have been saved.”
Grace as we saw yesterday is God initiating action because of his great love for you to ensure that you will be in heaven with you. Grace is a gift of God. Salvation is a gift of God. The fact that you will enjoy heaven one day is a gift of God.
A gift is not something that you earn, it is purely an expression of love by the giver.
Our society, especially at Christmas, makes a gift something you get because you’ve been more “nice” than “naughty.” These messages communicate that we have a part in earning a gift. One earns a wage. A gift is given without any merit or performance.
Yet, we know a gift is ours because the giver puts our name on it. You have perhaps received a gift in the past that your reaction was, “You shouldn’t have.” or “I don’t deserve this.” You are right, the giver shouldn’t have and you don’t deserve it, but that’s what a gift is. Something we shouldn’t receive and don’t deserve but is given to us.
How do we know this gift of God is ours?
Simply go back to Ephesians 1
11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Even the faith that apprehends this gift of God is God’s doing. As Paul says in Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
So what do we have to boast of?
Nothing.
God’s love is a gift.
The fact we are alive is a gift.
The reality that we will be in heaven is a gift.
Faith that believes this is a gift.
Grace is a gift.
So there is only one conclusion that brings absolute certainty to our status with God: Grace.
You are spiritually alive because of God’s amazing grace, love and mercy for you!
Apply: What certainty comes to you when you know you are a recipient of God’s gift of grace?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your overwhelming generosity that was willing to give me grace in spite of my sinful heart and life. I marvel that you would love me and give to me this wonderful gift. AMEN.