Identity — By Grace Through Faith - Wednesday
TODAY’S VERSE
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. (ESV)
Growing up, I had a mindset of earning my worth. I would put everything I had into my schoolwork and sports. Just to give you more insight on the latter, I was the kid who would stay late at practice to get more reps in and ask the coach for more one-on-one attention. It seemed like I was always striving to earn the appreciation and love of those around me. But once the gospel was clearly explained to me, I finally understood this earth-shattering, biblical reality: I don’t need to earn my worth.
Paul reminds the people of Ephesus of this same reality. His aim is to clearly explain the gospel so they can fully understand that salvation is received, not achieved. It’s only by the grace of God we’re saved. That isn’t just good news, it’s the best news. Without grace, we can’t enter into the presence of God. Without grace, we can’t be identified as worthy and redeemed. Without grace, we can’t live in freedom from our sin.
Because of grace, we can’t boast in our works. We have nothing to boast about other than Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. God’s grace through Jesus should humble us vertically as we extend grace to others horizontally. Scott mentioned it on Sunday, “When we put His grace on display and we talk about our new identity in Christ because of Jesus, it will cause the world around us to consider Jesus and the invitation that He’s offering them.” This is why we boast in Christ alone!
What are you currently doing to earn your salvation or worth in God’s eyes? At the end of the day, God’s grace should transform our hearts, not just change our behaviors. Then, and only then, will we truly understand salvation and embrace the fact that our worth is only in Jesus Christ. He’s waiting for us with open arms and is ready to change our identity from worldly desires to Heavenly pursuits, just like He did for Paul.
APPLICATION
Answer this question that Scott posed on Sunday: Do you understand that grace is a free gift? Take a moment to journal your thoughts and spend some time in prayer.
PRAYER
Good and gracious Father, thank You for Your grace that has been freely offered to me. Thank You for knowing that I was never enough to save myself and for sending Your Son to do it for me. Help me to receive Your grace and walk in my identity that is in You.