Saved by Grace Alone!

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

I once received a comment from a person who said she was not a sinner and there were no sins in her life. She is not alone in this view. So many people today do not recognize their need for salvation at all. I was once one of them. “I was blind, but now I see.” I had no idea how thoroughly sin had penetrated every area of my life. The idea that I needed forgiveness was ridiculous to me. But, thank God, He is merciful.

Although I was the enemy of God, God gathered me into His flock. Paul says of this, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this [faith] not from yourselves, it [faith] is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) I would never have chosen Christ, but praise be to God – in His grace – He chose me.

How wonderful that God’s love is no temporary flash of emotion; it is the power of God that gives salvation to fallen men and women. Charles H. Spurgeon writes, “I do not believe that there ever would have been a man delivered from this present evil world if it had not been according to the will, the purpose, and the predestination of God.” God’s great love and salvation are not diminished by our sins; nor hampered by our rebellious attitude towards Him. Every day is a time for rejoicing in the good news that He came to us, for we were definitely not seeking Him.

There is nothing that encourages me so much as when I think about the certainty of the blessed hope which waits for us. Christ was crucified to secure our salvation. It is wholly the work of God without any conditions or qualifications. The grace of God is fully plentiful with all the faith and love found in Jesus Christ. The Christian knows his personal relationship with God has been settled for all eternity. Glory to God! Let us continue to walk in His marvelous grace.