Friday 14 March 2008
- Bible Book:
- Ephesians
"Even when we were dead through our trespasses, (God) made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved." (v.5)
Background
This is the central theme of Paul's whole theology. God, out ofgreat love for all people, gives freely in love. It is God's natureto give and the response of people should be to receive and trustin God's grace. According to Paul, "together", Jews and Gentiles(non-Jews), have become "alive with Christ", so that together theywill be raised up with Christ and know his "immeasurable riches"(verse 7).
What is grace? It is a gift granted without any merit on the partof the receiver. This word in the New Testament Greek is 'charis',from which we get the word charity.
The gift of God's grace allows life to be lived differently - notbeing led by our sins and trespasses, but by the life of Christthat is on offer. This life will lead to engagement with good worksas Christ's ways are followed.
To Ponder
We live in a world that praises success andachievement. How do you feel with the knowledge that you can donothing to earn God's love?
Given the statement that God has created us for"good works" how does this affect your view towards the way youlive your life? How might you discover what these good worksare?