the basic message #E41
Ephesians 2:8-9
For 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.
This passage is the foundation of our salvation as Christians. Other than John 3:16, it’s probably quoted more often than any other scripture that pertains to our salvation. Like many other passages, there are verses before and after that further define what is being said. Read on:
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Well, well. The word “works” appears in both passages listed above. We are first told we aren’t saved by works, but then we are called to do good works, so what’s going on here? God, our Heavenly Father, like all good earthly fathers, expects much from his children, but his love is unconditional. In other words, I, as a father, will love my children no matter what they do. But, in addition to loving them unconditionally, I have high expectations for my children to be good people.
Ephesians 4:1
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 1:4
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Do you believe God chose you to be a Christian? If so, do you live a life worthy of your calling? Most of us would say we “try” to live a life worthy. OK, fair enough, I’d say the same thing. Now for the biggie- how hard do we try? Would your answer be, “I do the best I can”? Is it really your best?
It’s funny how “our best” is pretty weak when we’re serving God. An honor student’s “best” is good enough to receive a high GPA. A star athlete’s “best” is often good enough to earn a scholarship, or go on to the pros. A motivated employee’s “best” is often the factor in big promotions and raises. Maybe by the time we finish giving our best to everything and everyone, God has to settle for the crumbs. My friends, don’t be mislead by the world’s system. A day of accounting is ahead for each and every one of us. We can con the teacher, we can con the boss, and we can even con ourselves, but make no mistake, there is no conning of God. Everything we do or don’t do is in plain site of God, and when we think we’re doing our best, God might think otherwise. I urge you to take an inventory of your life today. It’s important, very important. People who wouldn’t think of exceeding the April 15th deadline for their income tax will put God off. Imagine- giving the government your best, but giving God the crumbs. How might God feel about our indifference?
Matthew 7:23
“Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”