Saved by Grace: Embracing God’s Gift of Redemption
Today, the fourth Sunday in Lent we are presented with St. Paul’s writing to the Ephesians, where we’re reminded of the incredible gift of grace and salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ.
In these verses, the apostle Paul paints a vivid picture of God’s boundless love and mercy towards us. He begins by emphasizing that even when we were dead in our sins, God, in His great love and mercy, made us alive with Christ. It’s a powerful reminder that our salvation is not something we earn or deserve, but a gift freely given by God out of His abundant grace.
“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.”
Paul emphasizes that our salvation is not based on our own efforts or good deeds, but solely on God’s grace and our response of faith. It’s not about what we do, but about what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. This truth humbles us and prevents us from boasting in our own accomplishments, recognizing that all glory belongs to God alone.
“But we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Yet, while our salvation is not dependent on our works, Paul reminds us that as recipients of God’s grace, we are called to live lives of gratitude and obedience. We are God’s handiwork, created anew in Christ Jesus for the purpose of doing good works that reflect His love and glory. Our faith is not passive but active, leading us to engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others.
So, dear friends, let us embrace the gift of salvation with hearts full of gratitude and awe. Let us live each day in the light of God’s grace, trusting in His unfailing love and allowing His Spirit to work in and through us to accomplish His purposes.
May we never forget that we are saved by grace through faith, and may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of God’s love. Stay blessed, and keep shining His light wherever you go! 🌟🙏
