“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.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Perhaps no other component of the Christian life is more important than faith. We cannot purchase it, sell it, or give it to our friends. To me, my hero of the faith is the apostle Paul, who wrote two thirds of the New Testament and exuded faith in each book he wrote.
Faith is not something we conjure up on our own, nor is it something we are born with. Faith is a gift from God, not because we deserve it, have earned it, or are worthy to have it. Faith is simply given to us by God, along with His grace and mercy, according to His holy plan and purpose. And because of that, He gets all the glory.
Paul planted churches, made missionary journeys, and wrote letter after letter. He had every human reason to boast. In all of his writings, he frequently reminds us that without demonstrating faith and trust in God, we have no place with Him. We believe in God’s existence by faith.
Lord, let me never boast to myself or others about my place with You. Strengthen my faith in Jesus and His sacrifice for my sins, and may I look to faith as something unseen but assured. Amen.
Take Action
Do you tend to think about works as a way to heaven, as some right you can earn? Take some time today to confess this way of thinking to God, and ask for His assurance of your salvation. For more, read “Stop Trying to Get Right with God”