Ephesians: A Worthy Walk
Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3.
Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template of Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically.
As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage.
Today's Reading: Ephesians 1-6 Focus Passage - Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 25-26, 1 Corinthians 10:1–22, Psalm105:1–8, Proverbs 22:10–12
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: The Proper Place of Works
Ephesians 2:8-9 is one of the more familiar texts in the Evangelical church, and a precious one. It reminds us that our salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone and that it is not a product of our works in any way, shape, or form. This truth is fundamental to a proper understanding of biblical salvation and a truth that we so often forget and is lost on far too many people.
A few years ago, I read a survey by one of the major Christian polling firms that shook me to the core. In their research, 56% of those who self-identified as Baptists (we are supposed to be people who preach salvation by grace apart from works if ANYONE does) believed that their works played some part in their eternal salvation. Yes, that was 56%. A majority. Almost 6 in 10. Baptists. People who had no idea that salvation was completely a gift of God's grace which becomes ours through faith, when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our works play no part. None.
Most people who still believe in concepts like heaven and hell seem to believe that there is a scale outside the Pearly Gates. When we arrive our sins are placed on one side of the scale and our good works on the other. If our good deeds are heavier, our giving, our acts of kindness - if these outweigh our sin, the gates swing open and we are welcomed into glory. If, one the other hand, our sins are too great, if they are weightier than our good deeds, then someone presses the elevator DOWN button.
When we stand before God, it is not our deeds that are at issue, it is the work of Christ on our behalf. He lived sinlessly and earned heaven then paid for our sins with his righteous blood. He gave us the gift of eternal life through his blood shed on the cross. Our works play no part in our salvation. None. Not even a little bit.
It is unfortunate, though, that many stop reading at the end of verse 9 and somehow get the idea that we are saved by grace so it doesn't much matter how we live. That is a corruption of Christianity and a perversion of the intent of Christ. We are not saved BY our good works, but when we are saved by grace through faith we are "created in Christ Jesus FOR good works.
Though your works play no part in your conversion, Jesus Christ intends to recreate you and conform you to himself. He wants to empower you to become like him and to live out his righteousness daily. He puts his Spirit in you to enable you to do this.
Oh, yes, my friend, your works matter. They do not earn salvation but they give evidence of it. If you are content to live in sin, you ought to wonder whether your salvation is real.
A few years ago, I read a survey by one of the major Christian polling firms that shook me to the core. In their research, 56% of those who self-identified as Baptists (we are supposed to be people who preach salvation by grace apart from works if ANYONE does) believed that their works played some part in their eternal salvation. Yes, that was 56%. A majority. Almost 6 in 10. Baptists. People who had no idea that salvation was completely a gift of God's grace which becomes ours through faith, when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our works play no part. None.
Most people who still believe in concepts like heaven and hell seem to believe that there is a scale outside the Pearly Gates. When we arrive our sins are placed on one side of the scale and our good works on the other. If our good deeds are heavier, our giving, our acts of kindness - if these outweigh our sin, the gates swing open and we are welcomed into glory. If, one the other hand, our sins are too great, if they are weightier than our good deeds, then someone presses the elevator DOWN button.
When we stand before God, it is not our deeds that are at issue, it is the work of Christ on our behalf. He lived sinlessly and earned heaven then paid for our sins with his righteous blood. He gave us the gift of eternal life through his blood shed on the cross. Our works play no part in our salvation. None. Not even a little bit.
It is unfortunate, though, that many stop reading at the end of verse 9 and somehow get the idea that we are saved by grace so it doesn't much matter how we live. That is a corruption of Christianity and a perversion of the intent of Christ. We are not saved BY our good works, but when we are saved by grace through faith we are "created in Christ Jesus FOR good works.
Though your works play no part in your conversion, Jesus Christ intends to recreate you and conform you to himself. He wants to empower you to become like him and to live out his righteousness daily. He puts his Spirit in you to enable you to do this.
Oh, yes, my friend, your works matter. They do not earn salvation but they give evidence of it. If you are content to live in sin, you ought to wonder whether your salvation is real.
Father, cleanse me, purify me, and mold me to Christ. I realize that I could never have saved myself but I am now redeemed and renewed. Help me to walk worthy of Christ.
Think and Pray:
Have you experienced the grace of God by faith, or are you seeking to earn your own salvation?
Having been saved by grace, are you giving evidence of salvation by walking in the good works that Christ empowers?
Having been saved by grace, are you giving evidence of salvation by walking in the good works that Christ empowers?
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