“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith– and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:6-10 (NIV)
God has resurrected us in Christ! What a concept! What a marvelous gift! To remember that in the past, we were dead and buried in sin. But God, whose wealth of mercy has no limits, gave us life through Christ Jesus. He elevated us and exalted us through Christ by making us a place with him in the realm of Glory. O praise his holy name!
Why would the Almighty God, Creator of the universe want to do such a fabulous thing? He has a purpose. He is demonstrating to all the universe that his grace is incomparable as expressed to us in Christ Jesus. It kind of makes one wonder if the angels or others have accused God of not extending grace.
God’s grace is the essential element in our salvation because we cannot achieve it in and of ourselves. God gives it to us. And he gives it freely to all those who utilize his access code. It is not accessed by our works or efforts. Unlike modern day computer hackers, we will never break God’s access code for salvation. No one will ever be able to stand before God and boast that he/she achieved his/her own salvation.
While believers are the beneficiaries, this whole business of salvation is not about believers. It is God’s creation and he alone deserves all the glory for it!
Dear Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. You deserve the glory, Jesus, you alone. We praise and worship you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
Let us praise God for his plan and live for his purpose,