The Gift of Grace
Today’s Verses:
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Grace is at the heart of the Christian faith. In these verses, Paul writes to the Ephesians to emphasize a truth that echoes throughout Scripture: salvation is God’s gift to us, not something we earn. Lutherans hold this truth dear, for it aligns with the Reformation teaching of sola gratia (“grace alone”).
As humans, we often fall into the trap of striving to earn God’s approval through our works. We think, "If I just do enough good things, then I’ll be worthy of God’s love." But the beauty of the gospel is that Christ has already done all the work for us. His perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection are the basis of our salvation.
Faith is not something we manufacture on our own, either. It, too, is a gift from God, brought to life in us by the Holy Spirit. This takes the pressure off us and reminds us to rest in God’s promises. Grace eliminates boasting, for we bring nothing to the table except our need. In humility, we receive everything from God’s generous hand.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious God, thank You for the gift of grace, freely given through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to rest in the assurance of Your salvation and live each day as a reflection of Your love. Strengthen my faith and keep me humble, that I may always give You the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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