2:8-9 Saved by God’s grace. Paul makes clear that our salvation is – from start to finish – entirely by God’s grace, received through faith. We contribute nothing; He accomplishes everything. Our salvation is not something we ever earn or deserve, but is a gift, given to us by our loving God. We dare not boast. Instead, we dare to respond with worship and by living as testimonies to our wonderful Savior.
2:10 Saved for God’s purpose. This means that our salvation isn’t simply a self-improvement project for our own sake, as if Christians can now do whatever they want. No, we have far more value than that: our salvation has a purpose, a goal. We are to walk in the works that God has provided for us, that which He planned from before there was time!
The Point: Works do not save – only God does! Works, instead, are how we now respond to God saving us; they are a part of our worship.
Prayer: Father, we are so tempted to think that our own efforts are part of our salvation. When we think that way, we miss Your amazing grace and we get both You and the gospel wrong. Instead, help us to receive Your grace fully and joyfully, and then to see our works as part of Your gracious and perfect calling for our lives.
Application: When is the last time you thanked the Lord for saving you? How should your thoughts, actions, attitudes, and goals reflect the salvation that you have been gifted?
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