Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT)
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Observation:
I really love this passage of Scripture, in just a few verses it takes us from being dead to being God’s workmanship, His masterpiece.
We were dead because of our sin, and by HIS GRACE GOD SAVES US THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. I see here Grace being much more than just unmerited favor, I see the loving, compassionate, purpose of God bringing the power to save us from our sins through His GRACE. Salvation is not a reward for good deeds we have done, it is the power of God to cause us to live again because of His love and compassion for us, so strong that His Son was sacrificed for us!!
Only when we realize and accept His Grace do we become His masterpiece. I do not know of any masterpiece that was made on the spur of the moment or on a whim, masterpieces are built with much consideration over a period of time.
God has made us a New Creation through Jesus Christ, so we can do the good things that God always planned for us to do.
Application:
I must realize that except for power of God’s GRACE I would still be dead in sin. Unaware I was being used by the evil one. God’s Grace has Changed my ETERNAL DESTINY. I can not take credit for any of this, it is by God’s grace. I must be an example of God’s Grace where ever I go. Through Christ I can do the good things God planned from the beginning. (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me)
Prayer:
Father, I thank you so much for the incredible power of your grace, the grace you extended to me so many years ago. I thank you that it is by your power that I can continue to do what you have called me to do. I pray you will help me to be and example of your grace where ever you send me. Thank you for the love you give me, for the anointing you give me, for the strength you give me, and for the wonderful life changing GRACE you have given to me through my Lord Jesus Christ.