Ephesians 2:8-9

“For it is by grace you have been saved..” Saved from what? Why do we need to be saved? Answer: Saved from the penalty and consequences of our sinful rebellion against a holy God. Our sin separates us from God and makes us objects of his righteous judgement. “The wages of sin is death!” But God in His Love sent His Son Jesus to take all His punishment against all of our sin by taking our sin into His body on the cross, and then taking all of our punishment or judgement for sin upon Himself. Then having satisfied His need to judge sin, God turns and offers us salvation, the forgiveness of sin & the giving of new life, as a free gift given to us by His grace! And it’s free not because it is cheap but because Jesus already paid for it with His life sacrifice! Have you received His gift of salvation by fully trusting (“through faith”) in Christ as your Savior?

PASSAGE: Ephesians 2:8-9 - "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."

PAUSE: Salvation is by grace alone in Christ alone! God’s gift of salvation is absolutely free! Christ paid the penalty for our sins. There is absolutely nothing we can do to earn God’s love and approval. Our salvation is a gift from God.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the gift of salvation. Forgive me for the times I still try to earn or keep Your approval. I accept the freeness of Your gift.