Christian — you began in grace, continue in grace

Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

We know Christ saved us, but unfortunately Christians can fall into the trap of believing they must contribute to the work Christ has done to remain “in His good graces.” But grace ceases to be grace when it is earned. When God saves us, He keeps us. Do we need to learn to be more obedient? Yes. But we have the privilege of growing in grace.

Grace is kindness that bestows upon one what he has not deserved. Pre-eminently, it is the kindness by which God bestows favor even upon the undeserving, granting sinners pardon for their offenses and calling them to accept eternal salvation through Christ. Both saving grace and faith are gifts from God, not the result of good deeds or personal effort. Again, “not of works, so that no one may boast.” You cannot brag about what only Christ has done for you. Your salvation was accomplished by Christ rescuing you because, in His great love, God desires an eternal, loving relationship with you.

Verse 10 shows that the free rescue Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection comes with an eternal purpose. But your purpose and your life are sustained by God continually giving His grace to you. Consider the word “beforehand.” It means to prepare in advance in mind and purpose, to decree. God, before you were born, decreed certain works for His people to do. The very effort you put forth to accomplish those good works after you are saved is based on God’s grace. The grace He saved you with is the grace He keeps you with, and it is the same grace He decreed to give you before time began. It is not only amazing grace but also astonishing grace.

Knowing God prepared good works for you before time began, the Bible encourages us to rest in His grace. Your Christian life is not performance-based. Rather, your obedience fulfills what God already has decreed. Be encouraged — God is keeping you, and He is growing you in grace.

Scott Welch, pastor

Christ Community Church