In order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:7-10
“The work of kindness located in Christ Jesus is the wonderful salvation wrought by Him and not by us. Because we are located in Christ, we were made alive with Him, raised with Him, seated with Him in the heavenlies, hence the kindness of God toward us. Our own efforts would have been rejected by God, but we are accepted because we are in Christ…this salvation is truly by God’s grace and does not originate or result from the efforts of humans…The gift is that which is outside of ourselves and is to be received.
Therefore the gift of salvation has its origin in God, its basis is grace, and it is received by means of faith… It becomes apparent that the reason that this salvation is not from humans or their efforts is because we are God’s workmanship…the goal of being created in Christ Jesus is for good works. God’s workmanship is not achieved by good works, but it should result in good works as God has purposed them…we are created in Christ Jesus for works that are morally and beneficially good for us, for those around us, and for God.”
Harold W. Hoehner in Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002) 339-348.
Today I board a plane for Los Angeles, California and then Melbourne, Australia, to teach at the CMA 2019 Conference, and to serve Christian Super with my friend, Michael Blue. I’m excited about all God has in store for both of us over the next 12 days. But, there are three deep reasons for my joy.
The first reason for my joy is grace. It is by grace that I have been made alive by Jesus Christ. It is by grace that I get to serve Him. It is by grace that I am privileged to tell others about His love and kindness all over the planet. Every day is a gift of grace. Every opportunity to proclaim truth is rooted in grace.
The second reason for my joy is the fact that we are God’s handiwork. He did not create you or me alone as His handiwork, it’s a team effort. He created us to bless others. I am so thankful that I get to travel Down Under with Michael, a dear friend and brother, so that we bless others together.
The third reason for my joy is good works. As God’s handiwork, He created us to do specific good works that He has prepared in advance for each of us. I am going to speak, teach, and serve using the gifts He has given me and to share the words He has put on my heart. See why I am excited to go?
What about you? Have you come to grips with the implications of grace? Your salvation, your life, and all you possess are not things you earned. You got them by grace. Because that’s true, whom will you serve? What are the good works He has created you to do?
Go and do those things with great joy in community, and pray for us to have safe travel and fruitful ministry.