Ephesians 2:8-9 “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.”
Mankind seems to have this flawed thinking that there is something that we must do before God can accept us. However, any effort to add to the work of Christ diminishes grace. The gospel that brings salvation is very clear to understand (1 Cor 15:1-4). Beware of listening to any other gospel!
Salvation is not a reward; it’s a gift, and grace magnifies the Dispenser of the gift, not the recipient’s efforts. Faith in God’s grace and gift of salvation provides rest (Heb 4:1-10). That is why a person ensnared in a cult or legalism has no real peace, because of the belief that somehow they are responsible to do something to earn eternal life.
Do not misunderstand, though. There is to be the evidence of works which follows salvation, but “the grace of God that brings salvation” came first (Titus 2:11-14). This grace, this gift, is Jesus Christ.
Grace does not come cheaply, saints; but neither will grace accept any co-payment plan from us. It doesn’t work that way. So don’t get all bound up in legalism. Get set free by the power of God’s grace through Jesus Christ (Titus 3:4-7).
