Devotion:
Read Ephesians 2:1-8.
Paul helps us remember in the early verses of this passage that we are no different than the rest of humankind. We have sinned, satisfying our evil desires. But God showed God’s great love for us by sending Jesus Christ into the world. God’s love for us is never deserved. It cannot be earned or merited. It is given to us, and that grace or love through Jesus Christ saves us.
What is our role in salvation? Our role is to accept this gift of God’s grace through our faith in Christ. Years ago, I was in a Bible study on this subject led by Reverend Paul Smith, our first Minister of Evangelism. Paul picked up his Bible and walked over to me, saying, “I want this to be a gift for you. I have planned it and prepared it, and it is ready to be a gift. But it is not a gift until what happens?” He shoved the Bible toward me emphatically, and I reached out and took it. “Now it is a gift,” Paul said. That gesture emphasized powerfully for me our role in our salvation…simply having the faith to reach out and accept the gift of salvation offered to us through the death and resurrection of Christ.
Personal Worship Option:
Pray with me: Almighty and Everlasting God, thank you for loving me so fully and without me deserving it. I accept your love as grace. Strengthen my faith so that I may indeed live my life alive in Christ. May others even see Christ in me. Amen.
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