Explore and understand the profound truth of God's saving grace, as expressed in Ephesians 2:8-10, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by our works.
Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to explore one of the most treasured truths in all of Scripture. It's the truth that God saves us by His amazing grace, not because of anything we've done, but because of His great love for us. We're going to dive into Ephesians 2:8-10, one of the clearest expressions of this truth. And we're going to learn how this truth inspired one of the most beloved hymns of all time, "Amazing Grace."
Before we get started, let's hear from the writer of that hymn, John Newton. One of the lyrics states, "Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ’tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." Every line from this hymn hits home and this one is no different. We’re going to be talking about this today.
So, going off that, let's read our Scripture passage.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:8-10
Let's bow our heads for an opening prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You today with open hearts and minds, eager to learn more about Your amazing grace. Help us to understand the depth of Your love for us, the greatness of Your mercy, and the beauty of Your salvation. Guide our thoughts and our conversation, and may everything we say and do bring glory to Your name. Amen.
When we speak of God's grace, we are speaking of His unmerited favor. It is His kindness and love that He extends to us, not because we have earned it or deserve it, but simply because He chooses to give it.
Our salvation is a result of this grace: This verse is a powerful reminder that our salvation is not something we can achieve on our own. It is not a reward for our good deeds or a prize for our moral excellence. It is a gift, freely given by a God who loves us more than we can comprehend.
It’s so undeserved: We are all sinners, fallen short of God's glory and deserving of His wrath. Yet, in His great love for us, God chooses to save us. He doesn't just overlook our sins or ignore them. He pays the price for them Himself, through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the essence of God's amazing saving grace - a love so great that it would sacrifice everything for our sake.
It’s so transformative: When we receive God's grace, we are not just forgiven of our sins. We are made new. Paul tells us in the same passage that we are "God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." God's grace doesn't just save us from the penalty of sin; it also saves us from the power of sin. It changes us from the inside out, making us more like Christ and enabling us to live lives that are pleasing to God.
It’s so secure: Our salvation is not dependent on our ability to maintain it. It is not something we can lose if we stumble or fall. It is a gift that, once received, can never be taken away. This is the assurance that comes with God's amazing saving grace - the assurance of a love that will never let us go, a salvation that is forever secure, and a God who is always faithful.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when you experienced God’s saving grace. How did it affect your life and your faith?
"Amazing Grace" is a hymn that has touched hearts worldwide, transcending cultural, religious, and generational boundaries with its profound message of divine love and redemption ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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