For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV
People often debate the proper place of two truths relating to salvation: the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. Both are given their proper place in this important portion of Scripture. The sovereignty of God is here displayed in the exercise of His grace. Grace is undeserved favor when the very opposite is deserved. Man deserves judgment, God offers grace. The responsibility of man is to respond to this grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. There is nothing man can do to earn salvation; it is an offered gift of grace. Because this is true, there is no work a man can ever boast of regarding salvation. Works do not precede salvation, as evidence, they follow salvation.
Lord, how grateful I am to enjoy what I neither earned, nor deserved. It is only by Your grace that I enjoy this salvation by faith in Christ. May His workmanship in me ever be seen through the resulting good works of my life.
