God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8
In our world today, we like to deserve or earn everything. In fact, many often have a hard time accepting anything that they feel that they did not earn or deserve. For example, many of us can only ask someone for a favor if we offer to do them a favor in return. While this is how the world operates, Scripture teaches that God operates differently. You see, He is a gracious God who gives us gifts we do not deserve. Namely, He offers us the gift of salvation that we could never earn or deserve, yet He gives freely to anyone who places their faith in Him.
We learn about God’s grace throughout Scripture. One place where we can read about God’s grace is in Ephesians 2:9. Paul writes in this chapter, “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God” (verse 8). We cannot brag or boast about our salvation because it is a gift. Paul continued his teaching in Ephesians 2, “Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (verse 9). Salvation should not be viewed as a reward, as if we have done something or lived well enough to earn it. Salvation is simply a gift of grace.
There are two proper responses when receiving a gift. The first response is to accept the gift. After all, you must accept the gift to enjoy that gift's benefits. The next response is to show gratitude and say, "Thank you." Our gratitude is a reminder that the gift given was bought with a price. Like any gift, God's gracious gift of salvation demands a response. Have you accepted God's gift of salvation by placing your faith in Christ? If not, what are you waiting for? If you have accepted God's gift of salvation, when is the last time you thanked God for the greatest gift you have ever received? God is gracious and the best gift-giver! He is so worthy of all of our praise and gratitude.
If you have never placed your faith in Christ, are you ready to accept His gift of salvation? Call or text 505-922-9200 to speak with one of our pastors on staff about making a decision to follow Christ today. God's gift of salvation is readily available to you; you just have to accept it! If you have accepted Christ's gift of salvation, pray a prayer of gratitude, thanking God for salvation in Christ, the greatest gift. Praise Him for being a loving, gracious, and compassionate God.
Ephesians 2:8-13
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
11 Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. 12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. 13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
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