A Look At God’s Grace

Few people and few passages of Scripture explain the Gospel as simply and profoundly as Paul in Ephesians 2. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10). With brilliance from the heart of God, Paul explained the work of God to provide for our salvation. This is not our works but His work for us.

Three major points stand out from this passage of Scripture.

First, our salvation is God’s work of grace on our behalf. Grace describes benevolent action by someone for the benefit of another. In contrast to what many people think, God was not required to offer salvation or to prepare a way for our salvation. He would be justified in condemning us to eternal lostness. Instead, God did what He wanted which was to offer us a means of escape. He did this because He loved us in spite of who we are and what we have done. That is grace. It is by God’s grace–not our work–that we are saved.

How is it we think our works will somehow get us to heaven? This verse is clear. It is not a result of works. Only God’s grace provides a way for eternal salvation.

Second, we respond to God’s grace by humbly receiving His gift. We trust His gift to be sufficient for our forgiveness and salvation. That is faith. “It is trustfully accepting from God what he has provided without totally understanding what you are receiving. Faith is giving up on being able to provide what you need for yourself and letting God give what he alone can provide” (Max Anders, Holman New Testament Commentary, Volume 8, 112).

Third, we are saved for good works. We are not saved by good works but our salvation will produce good works in us. We are God’s workmanship (the Greek word is poiema), a word which describes the work of an artisan or craftsman. God produced His good work in us that we could produce more good works.

Our parish (county) is made up of many small communities. One of those is Abita Springs. Abita Springs is known for some of the purest water on earth. The center of town has an artesian well that produces pure water 24/7. It has never failed. What makes it so pure and dependable? It is connected to the source (the aquifer below). God is our source. When we abide (remain connected) with Him (John 15), we will bear much fruit.

Isn’t it amazing? We are saved by God’s work in order that we may do God’s work. Both are gracious gifts of His love.

If you would like to read about the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in New Orleans this week, please come back to my blog at www.waylonbailey.com. I write everyday and would love for you get my perspective on the proceedings.

Waylonbailey.com is my ministry across the Internet. Thanks for reading. Please subscribe and you will receive a notice each time I post.

 

 

 

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2 Responses

  1. I loved today’s blog and I wanted to share my thoughts on it. Growing up, I was never taught about God’s love, about salvation…i.e. “being born again”… “being saved”…accepting God’s grace. Not until I was close to age 50 and into Bible study, did I fully understand it. Once I realized that I didn’t have to be “good enough” or “do enough good works” for God to love me and accept me, did I feel an incredible sense of freedom. Not freedom to do whatever I wanted, but freedom knowing that Almighty God, my Heavenly Father, always loved insignificant me and that one day I will be with Him. The idea that Jesus died for me humbles me, and brings me to tears. I know that I have never experienced this kind of unconditional love in my life and He more than fills that void. I wish that everyone I know experience this incredible love and grace. I like to say “When I die, I may not be in the same mansion with Mother Theresa or Billy Graham, but I have faith that I’ll be there!”

  2. Diane’s comment is spot on. The SBC was formed to bring this message and realize the Bride of Christ’s “Reasonable Service.” May we not loose sight. As I read Jack Hunter’s article in the Baptist Message I was reminded of the same vision exercised by his Dad and the message I taught Jack’s children in Sunday School, etc. God does indeed Bless the reading and doing of His Word as we do works “meet for repentance.” Thank you Dr. Bailey and Happy Father’s Day, as our Dad’s look on from their mansion.

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