Saved by Grace. A series on Ephesians part 3 (chapter 2:1-10)

 


Read Ephesians 2:1-10

In today's text, we can see that Paul is really trying to drive home the point that we are saved BY GRACE, not by anything we've done or will do. He mentions God's grace twice in chapter 1 and 3 more times in the first 10 verses of chapter 2. He points out several times how sinful, selfish, and corrupt we are as humans and purposely points out that we are rescued from these sinful lives by God's grace. Oh, how good it is to hear that salvation does not depend on us. If it did, we would surely be lost in our selfish sinful desires and push God away. Paul even points out that we were created for his works, not that we contribute, but that God does in and through us! We can take no credit for salvation or for any good thing we may have done. How sweet it is to be loved by Him!

It's interesting to note that the first 3 verses talk about how we are sinners and would only live in selfishness if we were left on our own. The next 6 verses again remind us that we are saved by undeserved GRACE for God's purpose. And again, we are reminded that any good thing we may do is not our own but Christ in us. As in chapter 1, Paul reminds us that God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. That He knew each of us before we were ever concieved, and part of His plan is that we may live to His glory. He planned to save us, He planned to set us apart and do good through us. Are you using the gifts God gave you for His purpose? Do you use your talents to do the good works He has planned for you? It isn't always clear what specific actions God wants us to take, but when faced with decisions we can look at what's before us and ask ourselves "will this be something that I can glorify God in?". Pray with an open heart to hear God's word and trust that He has already set aside good things for you to do. You just have to be open to seeing them. Knowing all this, how could we be anything but thankful to our gracious God!

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