Growth Saved by Grace

[Sandy Zalecki]

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that nor of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) NKJ

Do you think we have anything to do with our salvation? According to Ephesians 2:8-9 we do not. We are saved by grace and not by works so that none can boast. So many people in other religions believe that they can work their way into salvation and heaven. They bow to Mecca everyday at a certain time, or they meditate for a few hours each day. Or they climb some mountain to attain spiritual meaning, those are the path to salvation. Even some Christian churches believe that you can work your way into heaven.

We are saved because of the love of God who sent His son to save us. We had nothing to do with this plan. It was all decided before the foundation of the earth. The only part we have in the salvation plan is to accept the loving invitation that God gives us.

What a burden is lifted from our lives when we know that we do not have to work our way into heaven. Jesus did it all for us. He gives us the faith to believe that He is our Lord and Savior. He was the blood offering for our sins, and He gives us his great grace and forgives us of our sins.

How great is our God!! He is our everything.

 

[Mike S]

By Grace alone, which God supplies.

 

[for_his_glory]

Sin separates us from God because God is a spirit and can only recognize his own children by what spirit is living in their hearts. We have to renew, rebirth - born again, Gods Spirit within us in order to be called a child of God and see the kingdom of heaven. We now put off the old man (flesh) and put on the new man (Spirit). We are renewed by the word of God and through the Holy Spirit teaching us of all things.

It is not by our works or good deeds that save us for if that was all it would take then Gods word would be made void in our lives and Jesus would have died in vain, but because we are all sinners, it is by Gods grace and mercy that forgives our sins and washes us clean by the atoning blood of the Lamb (Jesus) so we can be made renewed again and free from our old sin nature.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

GRACE - undeserved, unmerited favor, Gods willingness to give us His power and ability even though we do not deserve it

Jesus came to show us how to overcome the sin nature of the world by teaching us how to live a moral life compatible with the word of God. Jesus gave of himself for all of us and redeemed us from the curse of sin by taking all our sin upon him becoming the final blood sacrifice for his love towards everyone who will believe on his name. When we come to Jesus it is Gods grace that forgives our sins and remembers them no more. Sin will always be present with us because the flesh will always sin for that is its nature, but when we ask Jesus into our hearts we also receive at that same moment the gift of the Holy Spirit which teaches us how to separate ourselves from the ungodliness and lusts of this world. We may have to live in this world, but as a child of God we are not part of this world because our inner man, or heart, has now become renewed in the Spirit of God and is sinless through the grace of God.

Titus 2:11 for the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.