"Saved Through Faith"

 “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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

Grace, in this context, is God's unmerited favor. It is His love and kindness toward us, even though we do not deserve it. This grace is what saves us, not our own efforts or good deeds.

Paul was an amazing evangelist. Completely broken and remade by the Lord, he understood that no one could live by the law and that anyone could be saved only by faith in Christ. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul made it clear that one’s salvation was not self-accomplished.

Paul often referred to himself as the greatest of sinners, a humbling acknowledgment of his past persecution of those who had found salvation in Christ. In our passage today, Paul wrote, “It is the gift of God so that no one may boast.” This underscores the unconditional nature of God's grace. Salvation is a gift from God, purchased for us despite our sinful nature and rebellion against Him. It is a comforting reminder that our past does not define us in God's eyes.

There are essentially two kinds of religions in this world: Christianity and everything else that requires one to “contribute” to their salvation. True Christianity only requires one to believe in the Son of God and His finished work on the cross to receive salvation.  Every other religion is doomed to fail because it requires one to “be a good person” or something similar. We are not good, and we cannot be good. God knew this in making creation, which is why the decision was made to send Christ in the incarnation to pay with His life so that we could be freed from the bondage of sin and be reunited with God as His children and as children also heirs to the Kingdom of God (Romans 8:17). This simplicity of salvation through Christ brings a sense of relief and peace, knowing that we do not have to strive for perfection to be accepted by God.

What does this mean to you? Well, it means that if Christ is not your Savior, if you have not given in to grace, salvation is still available to you. You see, you cannot buy or work your way into heaven. No amount of tithing, good deeds, donations, or anything one may believe will help them go to heaven can achieve salvation.

You, my friend, were purchased by Jesus Christ. He purchased your salvation for you. He did this with the understanding that you did not have to pay Him back. He did this while you were busy sinning, not thinking of the repercussions of your actions, yet Jesus did it out of love. Everything that is purchased has a cost. Your salvation that you have received, or want to receive, costs more than the entire universe and everything contained therein. Your salvation was purchased with the death of the Son of God. His blood was the payment that satisfied God's anger against you and your sin. You no longer await eternal punishment once you accept the risen Christ as a Savior.

No matter what you have done in your life, there is no sin greater than the grace of Christ Jesus. If you have not, I pray you will accept this free gift paid for with the blood of Christ. Your salvation awaits. Hand over your life to Christ and come to know the grace, mercy, peace, and love that come to one who places Jesus at the center of their life.

Choose life, get saved.