For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ!
Ephesians 2:8 TPT
To live the kingdom lifestyle we discussed earlier, we must yield ourselves to Christ and allow Him to dwell within us. However, it’s crucial to understand that salvation precedes experiencing this new life in Christ. Trying to attain this new life through mere adherence to rules and regulations would be futile unless we have died to our old selves. Therefore, today’s scripture serves as a powerful reminder of the magnificent work of God’s grace in our lives. We are saved by grace through our faith in Jesus.
Meanwhile, we cannot undermine the emphasis on the fact that “nothing you did could ever earn this salvation”. This realization is crucial for us to acknowledge our need for a total dependence and reliance on God. When we believed in Jesus, God gave us the free gift of salvation. It was not because of any righteous work He found in us, but because of His grace.
For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.]
Ephesians 2:8-9 AMPC
Now that the grace of God has appeared unto us and brought us salvation through faith, what effect does this faith have upon our life? Do they find their way from the head to the heart, from the heart to the hand? Having a great geographical knowledge will never make a traveller. A complete knowledge of the chemical properties of water will never make a swimmer. You must bring your faith to a practical application.
You might ask, “Can the truths of Christianity truly impact my life in a practical way?” The answer is a resounding “Yes.” Christianity’s truths are inherently practical, touching every aspect of life. They beckon us to embrace our daily responsibilities and reflect on our actions. As a mere matter of fact, the truths of Christianity are infinitely practical.
They touch life at every point. In the morning, they are a loud call to duty. In the evening, they are a solemn reflection upon the day. When we go to business, they say, “Do to others what you would have them do to you”. In fact, these practical aspects encompass what is known as the kingdom lifestyle. Therefore, how will you respond to the grace that has saved you?
