Ephesians 2:8 For it is by

grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is

the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

I am hoping that the question in

this sermon title will be well-answered when I have delivered this message. The

same guy (Paul) who wrote this scripture in a letter to the church at Ephesus,

also clarified God’s intent in several letters to other churches. At first

glance, this scripture sounds like we can make a casual attempt to obey God and

accomplish His purpose and that grace makes it OK. As the Ephesian church and

others abused grace, Paul expounded to clarify that we are not excused from

giving our best to the Master, just because we have grace. Neither are we to

consider ourselves better than someone else because of our works, because

without grace, there is no salvation.

This message will emerge from scriptures

that make it very clear that we are saved by grace, yet called to works. None

of our works are great enough or pure enough to deserve forgiveness and

salvation. Yet, God still calls each of us to our ministry in His kingdom.

Grace is the reason that each one of us should live in gratitude and commitment

to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The post WHAT IS SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE? appeared first on Riverside Church.