Daily Devotions – Saved by Grace Through Faith

Daily Devotions – Saved by Grace Through Faith

 

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)

Made Alive in Christ
2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I hope this verse sounds familiar.  If Lutherans had a slogan, it might be taken from Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast”.  We might even put it on a t-shirt, or make it the lock screen on our phones.  There are songs written about this verse, both ancient and modern.  Today, reflect on this fact.  You are saved by grace, not by anything you have done.  Have faith in this.  Trust this.  Let us continue to follow our God as he pours out his free gift of Grace on us all.