For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
We know that we are saved by faith and not by our works. But when we have in turn good works because of our salvation, it can often look the same - at least from the outside. Why is it so important that we have it right?
My salvation is a gift. Yet often I still try to “work” my way to God. But the very fact that it is given, and not earned, is also of itself a treasure. Understanding that my works are an outflow of my salvation and not a cause of it is freeing.
It is the difference between peace or striving. I have a peace that salvation is already realized and so am able to act out of strength and security. The alternative is striving to please God without the confidence of knowing if I can ever do enough. There would linger a doubt, and I may act out of scarcity because I know I’m not sufficient.
Understanding the gift of salvation lets me live in joy and not stress. I don’t need to act out of obligation but can respond to life and others out of gratitude. God has given me so much and I can’t help but love others.
“Our works do not earn our salvation, they affirm it.” Unknown.
I need to do an occasional gut check. When I serve someone else, am I even slightly hoping God will like me better? Or am I secure in His love and love Him so much that I want to please Him? The first leads to stress and fear. The other to joy and peace.
Knowing God’s truth is important and we need to remind one another of its importance. Superficially, our works might look the same whether motivated by gratitude or the need to earn God’s acceptance. But eventually my heart behind it will be revealed. I have been saved to good works, not by good works.
I pray my works reveal the goodness of God in all He has done, that they point only to Him. And that they proclaim the generosity of the Spirit within and the peace of the sure hope of my resurrection.
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. James 2:18
