Week 2: Lies About God
Monday: You Have to Earn God’s Love
Read: Ephesians 2:8; 1 John 4:19
SOAP: Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,- Ephesians 2:8
This same lie has infiltrated its way into the lives of some Christians. People concern themselves with wondering if they are good enough for God to be accepted by Him. They view salvation is a goal to be achieved rather than a gift to be received.
The Bible is clear that salvation is a product of God’s great love for us. Our response in faith to His act of grace is the only thing that merits a relationship with God. God loved us before we did anything for Him or before we felt any affection towards Him. There is nothing we can do to separate us from His love.
Because of this Truth, we can approach God with security and freedom. We do not have to fear when we fail to meet God’s holy standards – He has given us the provision of His grace. Instead, rejoice in His goodness and live a life of gratitude. By grace you have been saved!
As you think about your faith today, how have you tried to earn God’s love instead of wholeheartedly embracing His free gift of grace?
Father God, thank You for Your great gift of grace. I could not earn it. What cost me nothing, cost You everything in the life of Your Son. I pray that I will forever remember the sacrifice Jesus made and live my life in appreciation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.