Grace Is the Gift Of God
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." Ephesians 2:8-10 NRSV
We take the idea of breathing for granted. In fact, researchers estimate the average person breathes in and out 22,000 times per day.
But what does our breathing have to do with faith and works?
"Works are to faith as exhaling is to inhaling. They complete the gift of Salvation. Good works are not what we do to win Salvation; they are what we do to demonstrate and enjoy it. Followers of Jesus have for the longest time been perplexed by the relationship between faith and works. The One (Jesus) whom we follow is not. Jesus said, "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." (John 13:17) (1)
Take a minute today to really contemplate this truth. Find a quiet place where you can close your eyes and slow down your thoughts. Now focus on your breathing as you inhale and exhale. As you inhale, consider that "by grace you have been saved through faith" and then as you exhale think about how you have been "created in Christ Jesus for good works." This is the way of life that God prepared for you.
Notes:
(1) Quoted from the Life With God Study Bible, pg. 339
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