Devotion 11/7, Grace

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

Saved by grace through faith! No good work can save our souls. When salvation has actually occurred in someone the result will be to do good works because that is what our new nature through Christ Jesus brings about. Good works are not the root of salvation but the fruit of it!
Salvation comes by grace through faith in the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross some two thousand years ago, by admitting that we are sinners and placing our trust in Him, we are putting our sin under that blood for forgiveness by God. As repeated numerous times in the New Testament, it is the only way that God will forgive our sin.
The greatest gift we’ve ever received has nothing to do with our efforts. It is a gift from God. We didn’t earn it, deserve it, or purchase it. God gave it through his sacrificial gift so our salvation would not be our boast, but his kindness.
The Lord Jesus is not just one of many ways to God, He is the ONLY way to God! God’s grace, what a gift!

Holy Father, I can never thank you enough for sending Jesus and paying the debt for my sin. May I never take the cost of your gift lightly. At the same time, Father, I want to live confidently, knowing that my salvation is not dependent on my mistakes but upon your grace. Because of such a lavish gift, I want to live for you today in a way that reflects the joy I have at receiving such an awesome gift. In the name of Jesus, my source of hope and grace, I pray. Amen.

Lord, I come to you each day, thankful for your gracious gift of grace. Shine your light on me that I may share your word in what I say and do as I go out into the world. Thank you for your love, hope, mercy and grace, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.