When the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesian church he made certain that they, and we, know that God’s grace that saves us is a completely free gift. Describing the wonderful riches of our salvation to the Ephesians he writes about grace in the beginning of his letter. “To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Ephesians 1:6). Grace is freely given.
In chapter 2 of the same letter, he lays out what for many of us is the bedrock statement about grace and our salvation. He doesn’t want us to forget that grace is a gift, which he already stated above and writes, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
If grace were not a free gift none of us could be saved. We have fallen short of God’s standard of righteousness by sinning. All of us have been tainted by sin. Only one person has ever lived a perfect life and His name is Jesus. Grace means that His sacrifice for us covers our sins and His perfect life is placed on our account when we believe in Him.
Here is the problem many have with grace. We like to feel that we’ve earned what we have. Our human instinct is to pay for what we receive. We grow up in a culture that says, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Then we come to something we simply can’t pay for—like salvation. We can’t pay for it. Our works, at their best, are not good enough. We stand before God with no hope but His free gift of grace and that grace along with our faith brings salvation.
Peter Lord, who pastored a church in Florida, told the story of a new convert in his congregation named Lisa. Lisa lived near Cape Canaveral and had just received Jesus as her Savior. People would park in her neighborhood to watch the launching of missiles. She decided to use the occasion of one rocket launch to witness to others about her new-found faith.
Her neighbors had signs in their yards: Parking $5 and Parking $10. She put up a sign: “Free Parking, Free Coffee and Donuts.” She got up very early that morning to make coffee and donuts. She was excited about telling others of her experience with Jesus. That morning her neighbors’ yards were full of cars. But no one parked on her property. Puzzled and upset she was complaining to God. Why would people pay for parking when she offered parking for free? God said to her, “Lisa, that’s how I feel. I offer you grace for free and you still try to pay for it.”
Stop trying to pay for the salvation God has provided with His free gift of grace. Say “Thank you” and place your trust in Him. What He has provided through His Son Jesus is all you need. Then enjoy the wonderful life God has offered you free of charge.
Wally | GG Team
