Feb 1 - Devotion on Ephesians

 Feb 1 - Devotion on Ephesians

 

9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

 

In Vs 9, Paul makes it clear that our salvation came by grace alone and not by any works. This is a direct statement to any person who thinks that through the works of our own righteousness we can merit entrance into heaven. Paul makes it clear in his writings to the Galatians that he was the best of the best and yet he considered his righteousness as nothing. The righteous live by faith and faith alone. Grace is negated by works. It is not a gift if you earn it. If you could earn your way to heaven then you would boast of your own works and not God’s grace. Man has been trying to gain access to eternal life since Cain and Abel. Cain brought what He thought was an acceptable gift to God and Abel brought what was required. Cain’s gift was rejected and Abel’s was accepted. World religions are all based on our efforts where Christianity is based on grace and faith. Religion is a man attempting to reach God by our own efforts. Christianity is God’s reaching down to man through His Son Jesus Christ. Quite a difference.