Grace in the book of Ephesians
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8-9 KJV)
The book of Ephesians gives us a remarkable revelation of the complete message of God’s saving grace. This precious Epistle has six chapters. The first three chapters deal with the blessings the believer has in Christ. Ephesians 1:6 says we have been accepted in the Beloved. In Ephesians 2 above, we also read that we are saved by grace through faith, and that is not by our works. The first three chapters are all about what Christ has done, and are all about what we have become by faith. However, the next three chapters take a different swing.
The second half of the book begins with verse one of chapter 4 which says
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called (Eph. 4:1 ESV)
After describing the blessings of Christ, the Lord now instructs us to walk in a manner that is worthy of our calling. That is essentially saying our works should line up with what Christ has made us to be. The Bible calls these works “good works”( Eph. 2:10). These works are different from the works of the law which are done to earn God’s favor or blessing. Grace has works. Grace without works in our outward lives is lame and incomplete.
MEDITATE
What is the difference between “good works” and “works of the law”?( Eph. 2:10). Declare that “ Grace has made me the righteousness of God in Christ and I am living in a manner that is worthy of God’s calling in grace.”
APPLY THE WORD
It is beautiful to have faith but glorious to have the works of faith. Grace and the faith that connects us with it has works. Allow the Lord to perform the full work of grace in your life as you shine the light of good works to reveal Him to the world( Matt. 5:16).
PRAY
Ask the Spirit to help you abound in good works in every area of life.
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