Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is filled with weighty and wonderful theology that deserves our attentive meditation. This is one of the most simply stated truths, so much so that children are encouraged to memorize it. In fact, if you as an adult have not done so, I assure you that meditation on this verse will be most profitable. Each phrase is a well of living water to satisfy our deepest longings for truth.

It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved—not of yourself and not of your works. Salvation is a gift. There will be absolutely no boasting in heaven. We are but recipients of the undeserved gift of salvation. This is what grace is: undeserved treasure freely given to us at great cost—God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. God gets all the glory, and we get all the joy of His presence.

So how can these massive and glorious truths change our perspective today? They can make us smile like a child receiving the one gift he wanted the most on Christmas. Let your inner child smile with joy because you have received the one gift for which you have actually yearned your entire life, and one which you will cherish for all eternity.

Tom Day