Saved by Grace Through Faith
The Pathway of Obedience
Saved by Grace Through Faith
The Pathway of Obedience
In the fabric of Christian theology, few verses resound as profoundly as Ephesians 2:8-10. These verses encapsulate the core of our faith and the life-altering influence of God's grace. However, they also invite us to explore a profound truth: that faith serves as the pathway through which we access God's grace, and our obedience is the means by which we journey along the narrow path to an eternal home in Heaven.
I. Faith as the Pathway (Ephesians 2:8)
Ephesians 2:8 declares, "For by grace are ye saved through faith." This verse stands as a cornerstone of our journey, reminding us that God's grace is the source of our salvation, and it's through faith that we enter into this realm of divine favor.
Imagine faith as a pathway—a route that connects our fallen human existence to the boundless grace of God. It's along this pathway that we must journey towards the transformative gift of grace, abundantly and freely bestowed on all who simply reach out and take it.
II. Grace: The Unmerited Gift (Ephesians 2:8)
Ephesians 2:8 further states, "and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Grace is the gift that awaits us at the end of the pathway. It's the unmerited favor of God—a gift we could never earn through our efforts alone.
Imagine a person drowning in the vast sea, desperately trying to swim their way back to safety. Just when they're on the brink of exhaustion, a rescuer arrives, offering a lifeline. The height of absurdity is believing the drowning one is somehow earning the salvation of the lifeline or that the salvation of the lifeline is not a free gift just because they have to reach out and take hold of it.
Our works, regardless of their merit, can never earn nor purchase the gift. Grace is freely given by a loving God who desires to shower us with His blessings. What role do we play? We must reach out in His prescribed way and take it.
III. Obedience: The Means of Progression (Ephesians 2:10)
Ephesians 2:10 introduces an essential aspect of Christian living: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Our faith journey is not static; it entails walking, advancing, and growing.
In the context of Paul’s message, “good works” are not the obedient acts that allow one to traverse the corridor of faith granting access to the saving grace of Jesus. Good works are a life lived faithfully after we have laid hold on our gift of grace.
Paul's message to the faithful in Christ, who have already traversed the corridor of faith and received the gift of grace (Ephesians 1:1), is that they, and we, are God's workmanship. It means we are not deviating from our intended purpose; we were created to walk this journey of faith in Christ. Living a purposeful and fulfilling life is one of the rewards of grace, not to mention our salvation when our Lord Jesus returns.
IV. Faith and Obedience in Harmony (James 2:17-18)
James 2:17-18 beautifully complements this concept: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."
I've defined faith as the actions we take based on our beliefs. In the context of believing in Jesus as the Son of God and His sacrifice for our sins, our action is obeying the gospel by calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16; Romans 10:13). This act leads us through the corridor of faith to the destination of grace. Once there, we live a life of faith, marked by actions stemming from our belief in salvation and Christ's imminent return. We walk in the "good works" for which we were created.
V. The Journey of Obedience (Philippians 2:12-13)
Philippians 2:12-13 reminds us that obedience is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure."
Once we have traveled through the corridor of faith to have access to the free gift of grace, God empowers us to walk in obedience. Our journey is marked by a growing desire to align our will with God's, to obey His commands out of love and reverence. Then, at the end, we will be found faithful and hear those wonderful words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Conclusion
Ephesians 2:8-10 paints a vivid picture of our salvation journey. Faith is the pathway that leads us to the abundant grace of God, and obedience, good works, is how we navigate a life lived faithfully. Grace is God's precious gift, unearned and undeserved.
As we walk in faith and obedience, our lives become a testimony to God's transforming grace. It's not about striving to be worthy of grace; it's about allowing grace to transform us, compelling us to live a life of obedience and gratitude.
May we continue to journey along this pathway of life, knowing that God's grace is always there to meet us, to transform us, and to guide us on this incredible journey toward our final destination.