"For by grace you have been saved
through faith, and that not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God, not of works, lest
anyone should boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9
Almost every reward or compensation in
this
life is rewarded on basis of works: final scores
in sports, in annual sales numbers, academic
grades, and promotions in the business world.
Occasionally we encounter grace
in the secular
world, but not nearly
as often as being rewarded for works.
Grace was not unknown in the Old Testament.
It's mentioned 18 times, but it became a major
theme in the New Testament (119 mentions).
Thus, it was a surprising idea to both Jews and
Gentiles alike when Paul—the apostle of grace,
taught that we're not saved by our works but by
grace alone: “Therefore we conclude that a man
is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the
law” (Romans
3:28).
And what a relief! For we've all sinned and
fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
If our salvation were based on our
works,
who could be saved?
If you fall, fail, or
forget today, thank God
for His grace. Confess your failing and
continue to walk in His unmerited favor
(1 John 1:9).