"The Gift of God"

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

Where do we begin? We begin lost in the world, totally depraved, and unable to save ourselves from our sin. Recognizing our broken state can inspire humility and a desire for God's mercy. Where does the Bible tell us this? Paul tells us in Romans 3:23, ^“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This is our state of being, broken.

Yet, in His infinite wisdom, God made elections, or selections. These elections were not based on clairvoyance, knowing who on their own would believe, but rather on those whom God chose to believe. Paul uses two Old Testament cases to show God’s intent to elect.

We first see this election when God chose Issac over Ishmael. (Rom. 9:6–9) In the second example, we find that God chose Jacob over Esau. (vv. 10–13). What is important in this case is that Paul reminds us that God’s love for Jacob was unconditional. “Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad, in order that God’s purpose of election might continue” (v.11).

Highlighting unconditional love helps us trust God's sovereignty and feel secure in His decisions. So now, by scripture, we can see the first step in our conversion took place before creation. “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” (Ephesians 1:4) God elected us to be His.

Now in our worldly life, God calls us to Him. Initially, that call may be in the form of a gospel call. A calling that is given to one by a servant of God and is universal. It is universal in that we evangelize to everyone, as only God knows His elect. This calling can be rejected. If God’s calling through man is rejected, at His appointed time, you will receive an effectual or ethereal calling. It comes directly from God to the elect, and His grace is irresistible. The effectual calling will result in salvation.

When we receive the irresistible grace of God, we are enabled and persuaded that the gospel is true. Faith in the Greek is pestis (πίστις), which comes from the root word peithô (πείθω), which means persuaded. It is then that we come to faith in Christ. Our public profession of faith leads to our immersion baptism, as well as our repenting or changing our mind on sin, having recognized our deep depravity, turning to Christ instead.

No “sinner's prayer” can save. No infant baptism can save. No works, tradition, catechism, nor sacrament can save. Salvation comes from scripture alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and all for the glory of God alone.

Has God called you? Is that why you are here today, reading this message? Have you received the irresistible grace of God and are not sure what’s next? Today’s message reveals a progression of faith. We cannot get faith, make ourselves believe, or change who we are. Salvation is a work of God for God. Seek Christ today.

If you have questions about today’s message or faith in Christ alone, contact us here at In Messiah Ministries. We can provide you with additional scripture that shows God’s plan of redemption through His Son, our Savior, Christ Jesus.

Grace and Peace!