What does it mean that we are saved by grace?
Being saved by grace means that we have been freed from the power of sin and death thanks to God’s provision. It was God who through Christ gave us access to the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life. God saved us from dying for eternity, he did it on his own initiative and for free.
If we are sincere we will admit that we did not deserve the grace of God. We have all sinned, we have all strayed time and time again from what was right, from what God expected of us. But God didn’t leave it that way. He provided the solution because of his great love for humanity. God acted. He freely gave us what we did not deserve: our salvation and the opportunity to spend eternity with him.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; this does not come from you, but is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
our previous condition
Paul wrote this letter to his brothers in Christ who were in Ephesus. In the first 10 verses of this chapter 2 he talks about life in Christ. Paul emphasizes the change that must take place in people’s lives once they experience the power of salvation by grace. He begins by reminding them of their condition before receiving salvation through Jesus.
You were once dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you walked according to the powers of this world. They behaved according to the one who governs the darkness, according to the spirit that now exercises its power in those who live in disobedience. At that time all of us also lived like them, driven by our sinful desires, following our own will and purposes. Like everyone else, we were by nature objects of God’s wrath.
(Ephesians 2:1-3)
The condition of the human being without God is one of spiritual death. The passage speaks of transgressions or crimes, sins, the powers of this world, darkness… A life surrounded by spiritual darkness. And that is what the devil wants, to keep people bound, confused, immersed in darkness. He tries by all means that they cannot experience the liberating power of God. Under that condition the human being is destined to the wrath of God.
Paul speaks of the Ephesians, but he includes himself and other Christians (Jews or Gentiles) since that was their condition—and ours—before experiencing salvation through Jesus Christ. The nature of man without God is one dominated by sin, but once the human being opens his heart to God, all that is left behind. In Christ there is new life, there is victory over sin. Man does not have to live in darkness forever.
Saved thanks to the intervention of God
But God, who is rich in mercy, out of his great love for us, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in sins. By grace you have been saved! And in union with Christ Jesus, God raised us up and made us sit with him in the heavenly realms.
(Ephesians 2:4-6)
«But God, who is rich in mercy»… What beautiful and powerful words! The merciful heart of God already had the plan to rescue humanity. In Jesus Christ, God incarnate, we have true life: eternal life. And God gave it to us freely. God did not wait until we were worthy. he took the first step and he worked providing the solution through Christ Jesus.
Instead of leaving us dead for eternity, God gave us life. He raised us up in union with Christ! It is with him that we can live the life free from sin. Christ gives us the strength to overcome temptations and it is because of his work that we no longer live in our crimes and sins.
In fact, in Christ we are seated in the heavenly realms. We have already won! This is somewhat difficult to understand, but the Bible says so. We must continually remember the victory that Christ won for us. Spiritually we are with him at the right hand of the Father.
This knowledge comes with a great responsibility: that of living a life that is pure and pleasing to God.. Living filled with the Holy Spirit we will be able to turn our backs on sin every day and live according to the will of our God.
there is purpose
To show in times to come the matchless riches of his grace, which he graciously poured out on us in Christ Jesus.
(Ephesians 2:7)
God has a purpose for each of his children and that purpose will be fulfilled without a doubt (Psalm 138:8). Here on Earth we may not fully understand the extent of his purpose. However, when we are with Jesus in eternity, we will finally understand the greatness of the purpose of God’s grace for us and for all humanity.
There is nothing that compares to the wealth of grace that God gave us through Jesus Christ! Let us live lives that testify to the transforming power of God’s grace.
saved by grace
For by grace you have been saved through faith; this does not come from you, but is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Because we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God ordained in advance for us to put into practice.
(Ephesians 2:8-10)
Paul emphasizes the fact that salvation is by grace. He makes clear the concept that it is a gift from God. There is nothing we have done or can do to earn salvation.
Nevertheless, having received salvation by grace, our works will testify that we are children of God. In fact, God in his infinite wisdom prepared those works beforehand.
As we do acts of kindness, mercy, peace and love in his name, our God is exalted and glorified. Our testimony will make it clear that we have experienced salvation by grace and that we belong to our Lord for eternity.
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