Not By Works

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)

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.

Devotion:

One of the most profound aspects of the gospel is the stark contrast between grace and works. When we refer to 'works' in this context, we are talking about our human efforts to earn God's favor or salvation. These works are our futile attempts to impress God with our goodness or to meet his perfect standard. They can never save us, as we all fall short of God's perfect standard. In fact, works can even lead to pride and self-righteousness, making us believe we are superior to others or can boast before God.

Yet, grace is not just a concept, it is a transformative force. It humbles us and exalts God, revealing our complete dependence on him for our salvation and acknowledging that he alone deserves the glory. Grace liberates us from the burden of trying to please God through our own strength, and from the guilt and shame of our inevitable failures. It fills us with peace and joy, assuring us that we are accepted and loved by God, not because of our deeds, but because of what he has done for us in Christ. This transformative power of grace is a beacon of hope, reminding us that no matter our past, we can be renewed and restored in God's love.

But grace does not stop there. Grace not only saves us, but also transforms us. Verse 10 tells us that we are God's workmanship, his masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works. These good works can take many forms, such as showing love and kindness to others, sharing the gospel, or serving in our communities. This means that God has a purpose and a plan for our lives: to make us more like Christ and to use us for his glory. He has prepared these good works for us to do, which are the expressions of his grace in our lives. These good works are not the means of our salvation, but the fruit of our salvation. They are not the cause of God's love, but the response. They are not the way to earn God's favor but to enjoy God's favor.

So, how do we practically live out these good works? The answer is faith. Faith is not just a belief, but an active trust and reliance on God. It is through faith that we receive the desire and ability to do his will. Faith is the surrender and obedience to God, who guides and empowers us through his Spirit. It is the gratitude and worship to God, who fills us with his joy and peace. Faith is the confidence and hope in God, who promises to bring to completion the good work he started in us.

Let us then remember and rejoice in God's grace, which saves us and shapes us. Let us walk by faith in the good works that God has prepared for us and give him all the glory. This call to give glory to God is a reminder of our humble position before him, and the reverence we should have for his grace and mercy.

Prayer:

            We come to you, dear Lord, amazed by your unfailing love toward us. We deserve your wrath because we sin against you. However, you show your great grace and mercy and show us blessings beyond measure. All we can do is thank you by doing the work you have prepared for us to do. Knowing that any good work we do can never fully repay the debt we owe you. Lead us heavenward and keep us from the temptation to ignore your good gifts to us. Amen