Read Ephesians 1 – 3
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 God’s Word. The sovereignty of God is here displayed in the exercise of His grace. Grace is undeserved favor when the very opposite is deserved. Mankind deserves judgment, God offers grace. Our responsibility is to respond to this grace by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection alone make salvation possible. There is nothing people can do to earn their salvation; the work has already been done by Jesus. As a result, salvation is offered as a free gift of God’s grace. Because this is true, there is no work any of us can ever boast of regarding our salvation. We don’t and can’t earn it. Works do not precede salvation, but follow as evidence it has occurred.
Lord, how grateful I am to enjoy what I neither earned, nor deserved. It is only by your grace I enjoy my salvation by faith in Christ. May His workmanship in me ever be seen through the resulting good works of my life!
A question to ponder: If the responsibility of man is especially seen in our works following salvation, what kind of works should be seen in our life?
