Saved by the Grace of God

"He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding." Eph 1:7-8 NLT

God has showered his kindness upon us - this is God's "Grace".

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" Eph 2:8 NIV

We can't earn our salvation and we don't deserve it. We can go to church every Sunday, meet our quota of good deeds for the week, and attempt to lead our lives to near perfection and still not gain our salvation. It is only through God's mercy and love that we recieve our salvation. Without God's grace, nobody can be saved. The only way to recieve His grace is to admit that we cannot save ourselves. Only God can save us, and the only way is through his grace that we recieve by having faith in Christ. While nothing that we do can help us obtain salvation, God intends that our salvation will result in acts of service. It is out of gratitude for God's free gift that we should seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness.

When someone gives you a gift do you ask them how much you owe them? No, the appropriate response would be to thank them. Yet, many christians after being given the gift of salvation feel that they must try to work their way to God. Instead we should respond with gratitude, praise, and joy.

"I will praise you, O LORD , with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. " Psalm 9:1-2 NIV