The Bad News

Ephesians 2:1-10

I know this is a week that we think so deeply about the light of Christ and the sweet little baby in manger. However, I surmise that if we are truly going to understand and appropriate what has been done for you and me as believers in Christ, we must explore what I call the “Bad News.” The “Bad News” is that we were “dead,” not injured or just needing a helping hand, in our trespasses and sins. We were destined for destruction until God stepped in in the form of Jesus Christ, the God-man. Verse 4 echoes two of the greatest words in the New Testament, “But God”! There was nothing we could do to earn this salvation or deserve it. We are saved by the grace of Christ through faith alone, not because we are so special. No works can save us as it is purely a gift of our gracious God so that He will get all the credit, which He richly deserves. Works are not the root of our salvation, but the evidence of it. Works do not save anyone, but all truly saved people will evidence good works. So let us live our lives in honor of the One who gave us such a great and wonderful gift!

Questions for further thought:
1. How does it feel to know that you and I had nothing to do with God’s acceptance of us? (v. 8-9)
2. In light of this freeing truth, what works has He put on your heart to undertake?

Challenge: God is in control completely even when it seems as if things are off the rails. Keep an eye out this week for ways in which you can engage in the “good works that He has prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (v.10)