Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:8, 9People are determined to have to do something to win God's favor. In Romans chapter four where God shows us what Abraham's faith was not in, He shows us what people do put their faith in. Study it carefully. They put their faith in: their own merit or good works; religious ceremony (circumcision) or affiliation; and in their keeping the Law or some other rule. It's a faith in a human work of some kind. The problem is not faith. It's what the faith is in! God says man's faith will be put into his account for righteousness if he puts it in the right place or person (Rom. 4:5).
On the one hand, you have a salvation attempted on a works basis. It's received by works through faith. On the other hand, we see God offering today salvation on a grace basis. Grace can't be earned nor bought! It's not only more than what we deserve, it's just the opposite! In the early chapters of Romans, you have every man deserving the wrath of God, being offered the righteousness of God - BY GOD'S GRACE! God's grace is the BASIS for His offer. How is this offer received? By faith, and faith alone!
In the book of Romans we see "the righteousness of God," "justification," and "eternal life" are synonymous terms and are God's gift to those deserving His eternal wrath (Rom. 3:21, 24; 5:1, 17; 6:23). The same is true as we come to Ephesians chapter 2. The same ones who are dead in trespasses and sins and who are headed for the wrath of God (vrs. 1-3) can be saved by God's marvelous grace. God says: "For by grace --you have been saved -- through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (2:8,9). He is saying: the gift of God is eternal life; God's grace is the basis for His offer; and man's faith alone is means of receiving God's gift. God holds man accountable to believe and receive His gift (II Thess. 2:10;12)
By DICK WARE
AMEN
