SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER PROGRAM // FEBRUARY 24TH, 2024

TOPIC: YOU ARE SAVED BY GRACE

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

FOOD FOR THOUGHT ON THIS VERSE

Ephesians 2:8-9 conveys a fundamental aspect of Christian theology - that salvation comes solely from God's grace through faith, and not by our own efforts. Let us explore its meaning.

Salvation by Grace:

The verse emphasizes that our salvation is entirely based on God's unmerited favor or loving-kindness extended to humanity. It cannot be earned or deserved through our own endeavors or good deeds since salvation is a freely given gift from God due to His love and mercy towards us.

Through Faith:

The verse also highlights the role of trust in receiving God's gift of salvation. Faith involves believing in God and His promises specifically regarding Jesus Christ's saving work. We receive this free gift only if we have faith in Him because our faith does not earn but rather responds to His grace.

Not Of Yourselves :

This passage emphasizes that we cannot achieve salvation using our abilities alone nor attain righteousness on our initiative since it depends entirely on divine intervention from an all-loving Creator who desires reconciliation with humanity.

The Gift Of God :

This passage affirms that salvation comes as a priceless present offered freely without any expectation for payment or reward for religious observances or good deeds done outside gratitude for what He has done for us.

Not Of Works :

The passage explicitly states that no amount of human effort such as keeping the law performing religious rituals can merit one’s entrance into heaven since they do nothing more than demonstrate obedience outwardsly but contribute nothing towards spiritual growth within oneself.
This understanding humbles believers reminding them their dependence upon divine mercy rather than personal achievement while providing assurance knowing their redemption rests securely upon divine benevolence toward mankind.

Let us delve deeper into the concept behind this principle:

Unmerited Favor :

Grace highlights how we did nothing deserving to gain access into heaven yet were granted entry purely out-of-God’s kindness toward undeserving sinners like ourselves.

God’s Initiative :

Salvation by grace underscores how it was solely initiated by an act made possible only because an all-powerful deity chose so--not something achieved via personal effort.

Faith As An Instrument :

While salvation's origin lies within Divine Providence, granting unworthy sinners' eternal life despite themselves; however, it requires faith placing confidence exclusively upon Christ Jesus' finished atoning work, allowing forgiveness, hence initiating new lives filled with hope.

Excluding Boasting :

Ephesians mentions boasting prohibited when grasping the reality concerning acceptance before Almighty Creator stems wholly from his graciousness apart from human input leaving no room whatsoever pridefulness arising over achievements gained personally.

A Transformative Journey :

Although gifted freely without merit once accepted transforms daily living empowering individuals live according Gods’ plan led Holy Spirit growing holier demonstrating love doing good works fulfilling purpose set forth beforehand avoiding legalism which would lead back down path attempting earning favor via actions instead genuine heart transformation already brought about accepting Christ’s sacrifice.

Freedom From Legalism:

Understanding freedom found beneath banner “salvation by grace through-faith” frees individual burdensome guilt associated legalistic practices producing joyous hearts overflowing thanksgiving recognizing everything accomplished simply result inherent goodness Heavenly Father bestowing generosity unto those called children leading obedient lifestyles motivated sheer gratitude.

Assurance And Security:

Knowing fact sole basis standing secure presence of the Almighty God rests firmly foundation, immovable rock, representing unchanging faithful love, likewise grants peace amidst storms life brings.

Overall understanding “salvation by grace through faith” is the central tenet of the Christian faith, emphasizing total reliance upon the Divine Benefactor whose mercies endure forever, while simultaneously highlighting importance responding positively having placed our confidence, trust, and Redememption on our Savior Lord Jesus Christ, brings ultimate joy, assurance, security, throughout eternity.

How the concept “salvation by grace through faith” impact relationship between humans and God Almighty.

Understanding fully scope underpinning idea behind phraseology “saved by grace alone" via "trust in Jesus Christ's work alone” causes profound shift affecting personhood relationships including:

Intimacy And Acceptance: Realizing

connection established between mortal beings and Supreme Being founded completely unconditional love resulting deepened intimacy fostered due non performance based nature relationship itself.

Humility And Gratitude:

Internalization truth rooted core doctrine extending beyond self salvific capabilities leads humility born grateful recognition undeservedly received blessings bestowed causing thankful perspective shaping attitudes behaviors outward expression inner heartfelt appreciation.

Trust And Reliance:

Growing awareness becoming evermore reliant trusting character promises Word strengthening bond shared participants ensuring enduring commitment lasting lifetime.

Freedom From Guilt And Shame:

Recognizing full weight sins lifted shoulders enabling unhindered communication unfettered community building bridges broken down walls restoring harmony previously lost due transgressions committed.

Prayer And Communication:

Free flowing dialogue opening up channels unlimited exchange ultimately leading greater mutual understanding transparency honesty transforming conversations experiences lived-out daily existence.

Transformational Growth:

Leading to service oriented lifestyle fueled by love for others and selfless sacrifice toward community at large emulating example set forth by redeeming savior himself signaling appreciation afforded us due solely to generosity shown us unconditionally without reservation or expectation in return demonstrating true nature living out abundant Life given.

In summary comprehending philosophy underlying foundational statement ‘graced based saving via believing only in Jesus Christ’ produces powerful transformative change impacting every facet lifestyle generating renewed perspective spurring newfound motivation serving others seeking ways better society whole driven purest form altruistic behavior emanating sincere heartfelt desire emulate example left behind sacrificial lamb slain behalf sinful humanity.

MY PRAYER TODAY

Holy God, I'll never be able to thank you enough for sending Jesus to die for my sins. May I never take your kindness for granted or the cost of your gift for granted. At the same time, Father, I want to live with confidence, knowing that my salvation does not depend on my mistakes but on your grace. Because you gave me such a wonderful gift, I want to live for you today in a way that shows how happy I am to have received it. In Jesus Christ's precious name I pray, Amen.

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