Scripture:
Ephesians 2:5-10 ESV
[5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— [6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Observation:
I’m not sure I can do this passage justice because it’s a lot to understand as a human. What I believe Paul is saying is that even though we were not doing what the LORD wanted us to, HE gave us what we did not deserve “grace,” so maybe we need to define what this word means. The biblical definition is unearned favor from GOD. So, with that being said, we can see that grace is not something we obtain because we are good. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. It’s something GOD gave us because we are not good. Even in the middle of our sins, GOD gave us grace. HE put us in a position we did not deserve. Right next to Christ. It’s by the “GRACE” of GOD you have been saved. Paul goes on to say that you can not earn it… not by works lest no man boast. But then we come to the last verse chosen today. What does it mean? We are HIS workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which GOD prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Application:
I love the grace of GOD partly because there is no way around it, even those who believe they can be good enough, can’t get past their thoughts, and let’s face it. Jesus took it all the way to the way we think by saying, ” You have heard it said thou shall not commit adultery, but I say if you even look at a woman with just you are guilty.” My point is there is no way around grace. You can’t get past the way you think. You can take those thoughts captive, but they still come through your mind, and that’s where the battle begins. Grace is needed by all, and if you think it’s not needed by you, then you are righteous of your own accord and have no need for Jesus. Who is the only way to the Father? For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD. At my best, I am but filthy rags. My righteousness won’t work. I must just like you, rely on the grace of GOD.
Prayer:
Father, you saw beforehand where we would fail. When we were still in our sin, you sent your son to die for us. I know that for some reason, you have placed your grace on my heart. I believe someone reading this needs to head or read that even though they have made mistakes, you have sent your son. Even when they were dead in their sin, you saw that and saved them by your grace that has no end. I just want to thank you for what it means in my life. I know it’s something that I need because no matter how hard I try, I can’t get around the need for your grace. The question is, who will save me from this horrible man that I am? Only through Christ Jesus can that be done. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.