Birthdays are a big deal around our house. My kids start talking about their birthday as soon their’s is the next in line. They talk about the party, but it’s really about their gifts. They give us a long list of items they would like to receive as their present. Never once are they made to feel like they owe us for the gifts we give them. God has given us the gift with the same heart. We are saved by grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.”
Accept the Gift
One of the disputes in the early church was keeping the Old Testament law. Many of the Jewish believers expected gentiles to get circumcised and keep the rituals and regulations. It was a way of deserving the love of God. When Jesus gives us the gift of grace, He doesn’t expect us to pay Him back. It is given out of love and we don’t deserve it at all. We are given the gift of salvation through His grace. We do nothing to earn this gift. It is offered entirely out of the love of God.
Can’t Earn It
The danger we run into as Christian is thinking that we owe God something for His grace or trying to earn the favor of God. If we attempt this, we will miss the mark and always feel like we are still falling short. We can’t impress Him. Paul tells us that our very best is like filthy rags compared to the surpassing greatness of God. Be content that God accepts you as you are and that this gift is there for your taking.
Show His Glory
If you are reading this, thinking that you have done too many bad things to deserve this gift, you are right. That’s why it’s called grace. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. You receiving the grace of Jesus Christ shows God’s glory. His transformation work in you will show His power to change you. Accept the gift and live in confidence that He is continuing to work in you.