Read Ephesians 2:1-10

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8)

One of the clearest statements in all of Scripture about salvation is found here in Ephesians 2:8: “By grace you have been saved through faith.” Grace means unearned favor. It means we get what we don’t deserve and could never earn. Faith is the open hand that receives the gift. And Paul makes sure we understand: even this faith is not from us—it’s the gift of God.

This is what separates the gospel from every other religion. Religion says, “Try harder. Do more. Be good enough.” The gospel says, “It is finished.” Salvation isn’t a wage you earn; it’s a gift you receive. It doesn’t depend on your résumé, but on Christ’s cross.

Yet for many of us, this is hard to accept. Deep down, we want to earn our way. We like to prove ourselves. But grace refuses to let us boast. It insists that all the glory goes to God alone. When we truly grasp this, it changes the way we live. Instead of striving to be accepted, we live as those already accepted. Instead of performing for love, we rest in the unshakable love of God in Christ.

That doesn’t mean we do nothing. In fact, grace energizes us for obedience. But obedience is not the root of salvation—it’s the fruit. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Period.

Today, remember that your salvation is a gift. You don’t need to carry the crushing burden of earning God’s approval—it’s already yours in Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

• Why do you think it’s so difficult for us to accept that salvation is completely a gift?
  
• How would your daily walk with God change if you truly believed you are already fully accepted in Christ?
  
• In what subtle ways do you still try to “earn” God’s love?
  
• How does the truth of grace fuel deeper gratitude and joy in your life?

Journaling Prompt:

Write about a time when you tried to earn God’s approval. Then contrast it with the truth that you are saved by grace as a gift.