Salvation by faith through grace, a concept clear as daylight, but what about works? The apostle Paul continues his letter to the Ephesian church now focusing on salvation, the gift of eternal life in heaven freely given to those who repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior.
To rely on works for salvation or to preach that salvation stems from deeds is blasphemy. Anyone with a biblical IQ of 25 knows that one’s salvation must first be triggered by repentance of one’s sins, then be followed by acceptance and acknowledgment of the great sacrifice made on the cross by Christ through the shedding of His blood.
Paul begins chapter two by addressing his audience which he describes as once spiritually dead. The be spiritually dead means to be without God, without hope.
“1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 2:1-2)
By “transgressions”, through the use of the Greek “paraptōma” which means to slip or fall, Paul identifies his readers as past sinners who used to live in sin under the reign of Satan, ruler of disobedience.
Every believer once lived and dwelled in sin. Paul writes about the ways of the world and how those who who live according to the world face wrath from greed, pride and lust.
“3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” (Ephesians 2:3)
By succumbing to their desires those living in darkness pull further away from God and contribute to their descent toward the lake of fire where disobedience is rewarded with eternal damnation.
Those who resist temptation and steer from disobedience are instead rewarded by the ultimate gift of eternal life through God’s grace.
“4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5
Having been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are made alive by choosing spiritual rebirth according to God’s love and mercy. Salvation is in deed a choice made conscientiously by those seeking a relationship with the divine father and His son Christ Jesus.
“6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6-7)
Raising us from the spiritually dead God allows believers to sit along side His son Jesus Christ who, through a great sacrifice is blessed to eternally be seated with God in heaven.
Through faith in His son our father saves us by grace, not by works, merit or deeds. Only those who believe in Jesus Christ will be saved, anyone else is doomed and headed to hell for all eternity.
“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Putting aside pride, greed and lust, believers are blessed with the gift of eternal life. Acceptance of this gift is subject to repentance and acceptance according to God’s perfect plan for our lives. As His divine creations, we are made in His image, to serve Him, to praise and worship Him.
“10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Created for good works and not saved by them, believers are predestined to serve faithfully in tune with the word of, and the promises made by our holy father.
In Christ Jesus we are transformed from seeds of wrath to children of God. By faith we are born again, made alive spiritually in the glory of almighty God. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through trials,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Fill our hearts Lord with revelation, kindness, with wisdom,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
