Do you ever reflect on the awe and amusement that comes from knowing that our salvation is a free gift from God, and we don’t have to do anything to earn it? It cannot be earned by our works. No human effort or striving could earn the salvation of our souls!
I am deeply grateful for the salvation of my soul and the fact that I don’t have to strive or work hard to earn it, unlike many things in this world.
Think about all the things we strive for – safety and belonging, security, intimacy, health, comfort, material things, etc. Could you now imagine adding salvation to that? If you were told you had to earn your salvation, to what extent would you go to achieve it? And how do you think you’d start to feel in comparison to others when you’ve finally achieved it? Ephesians 2:8-9 answers that question for us. Regardless of the extent you’re willing to go, salvation is unachievable! The price is way too high to pay in our fleshly, fallen bodies. In addition, we would likely start to boast and be prideful, because it’s a status we would feel we achieved on our own, as a result of our own efforts.
The entire work of salvation is initiated and completed by God. He is the one who draws us to Himself, and all that’s left for us to do is accept Him and do good works in service as a response to His grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): “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.”
Share your thoughts! How does knowing that your salvation does not depend on your efforts make you feel?