Ephesians 2:4-10 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Interesting contrast in these six verses from Ephesians. On one side of the coin, Paul reminds believers that our salvation is a result of God's grace ONLY- "not by works". Grace is extended to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, not because of anything we do or say. However, verse 10 talks of "good works". But these good works are what is required of us AFTER salvation. God saves us by grace, but expects good works from us.
These good works will look different for each believer. For some it might be a children's ministry at church. For others it could be a prayer ministry. Overseas missions might be the calling for some. Regardless, we are saved "to do good works" and those good works have already been prepared for us.
Since those good works are prepared in advance it is our duty to discover what God has planned for each of us, then get busy accomplishing those projects, missions, events, ministries God has planned.
Salvation through grace. Obedience through good works.
What good works has God preordained for you today? Have you earnestly asked God to reveal those to you, and are you willing to act in obedience when He reveals them to you?
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