Page 149 - Grace150 Devotional

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it
is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8-9 gives us a groundbreaking, profound truth. Nothing we can say
or do (be it tasks or performance) can save us, or any human being. If you think
about it and study it, Christianity is set apart from all other religions simply by
what Christ Jesus has done—already. Not what we can, have, or will do. Trying
won’t save us, but trusting will.
God’s gift is to be accepted, not a prize to work for. Plainly, it’s a matter of choosing
to accept that His brutal and sacrificial death for all mankind was enough to save
us from the penalty of sin, which is eternal separation from God. As much as we
may try, or think we can earn salvation, there are no sacrifices to be given today.
They did exist in Old Testament times, but that was before the ultimate sacrifice—
God’s son, Jesus Christ—who lived a sinless, perfect life. Christianity is divine
accomplishment, not man’s achievement.

Jesus’s death was sufficient in fulfilling God’s righteous standard. The law of
righteousness (right standing with God) does not come from external rules or
performance. His grace overrules our every transgression. Christ’s death is grace
for every person.
Father in heaven, we thank You for grace; that it is enough for us, and all You
require of us is to believe it.
– Leslie Rebholz

devotions for the journey DAY 142