"The EXCEEDING Riches of HIS Grace"

 

Ephesians 2:7-10 "That in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. 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."

     What is GOD's purpose in providing the gift of salvation ? HE seeks to demonstrate HIS unfathomable grace by transforming a hell-based sinner into a saved believer in CHRIST, perfectly fitted for eternal glory. Now and throughout all eternity the redeemed will shine forth as trophies of HIS glory and grace (v.7). If we could justifiably claim that our redemption was due in any way to our own efforts, then we would have reason to boast; however, our LORD will have none of that (v.9 Pictured above) ! For all eternity, glorified sinners-made saints will be a tribute to HIS amazing grace.

     Salvation is a gift that is received by faith (v.8 pictured above). No one earns or works for a gift; that would be a contradiction in terms. The unworthy sinner who accepts GOD's gift by faith soon understands what "the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness towards us through CHRIST JESUS" (v.7) really means. Salvation from start to finish - deliverance from the penalty of sin, from the reigning power of sin, and from the very presence of sin (yet future) - is the result of the grace of GOD at work in saving and keeping the believer. Again, how is this gift received ? It is appropriated through faith in the perfect finished work of CHRIST at the very moment we trust HIM as our personal SAVIOR. GOD's grace leaves no room for boasting but certainly plenty of room for praise ! We are HIS workmanship, regenerated and renewed by the HOLY SPIRIT; and, as believers, we are to conform to the image of HIS SON (v.10). We are not saved by good works of any kind, but it is GOD's will "that we should walk in them" after we are saved. Grace not only provides salvation, but it also instructs the believer to live righteously for his LORD (Titus 2:11-15 pictured above). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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