Saved By: Grace Through Faith

Here is the gospel in its purest form. Grace is the source; faith is the instrument. Neither originates with us. "This is not your own doing" eliminates any contribution we might claim. Even our faith is wrapped in gift paper—we cannot boast in believing any more than we can boast in breathing.

Paul anticipates our objections. We want to earn things. We're uncomfortable with pure gift. Surely there's something we must do, some box to check, some performance to render? No. "Not a result of works." The door is slammed shut on human achievement. Salvation cannot be earned, improved, or lost by effort because effort never contributed to it in the first place.
"So that no one may boast." This is the reason behind the method. God designed salvation to exclude human pride entirely. Heaven will not contain a single person who can say, "I made it because I was smarter, more religious, or more committed than others." Every voice will sing the same song: grace alone.

This truth should produce both humility and security. Humility because we contributed nothing. Security because we cannot lose what we didn't earn. Your standing before God doesn't fluctuate with your performance because it was never based on your performance. You are saved by grace. Full stop.

1. In what subtle ways do you still try to earn God's favor or prove your worth to Him?
2. How does "not a result of works" challenge the religious performance you see in yourself or others?
3. What would change in your life if you fully rested in grace rather than striving for acceptance?